22-28 October 2023, Almaty, Kazakhstan - In the challenging context of Tajikistan, combating the smuggling of migrants and contraband across state borders is a critical issue. Located at the crossroads of Central Asia, Tajikistan faces a complex migration landscape, which includes not only economic migration but also movements of displaced Afghans fleeing conflict. To address these challenges and enhance border security, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been working diligently within the framework of the Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Under this initiative, IOM is implementing a Regional Project on "Improving migration governance and access to services for displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia," generously funded by the Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

A Multi-Faceted Approach

IOM's intervention is multifaceted, aiming to strengthen governance and increase access to services in the region. This approach involves collaborating with national and local authorities to enhance migration systems and institutional capacities while simultaneously bolstering the technical capacities of local service providers and partners. In the pursuit of these objectives, IOM Kazakhstan, in conjunction with the Border Academy of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has played a pivotal role in the development of a Training Support Package focused on "Strengthening the efforts in the field of training Border Officers on Countering Migrants Smuggling."

The Training of Trainers Initiative

As a part of the larger project, IOM Kazakhstan has supported the formation of a pool of national experts in the field of combating migrants' smuggling. To advance this endeavor, a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) course was organized from October 23 to October 27, 2023. The course gathered specialists from the Border Services of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, providing them with training based on a comprehensive module on "Combating Migrants' Smuggling on a State Border."

During the ToT event, participants had the opportunity to share experiences related to pedagogical aspects of border guard training. Moreover, the training delved into countering migrants' smuggling, tailored to the specific characteristics of Border Crossing Points (BCPs), including geographical locations, technical equipment available at different BCPs, and strategies to combat border crossings through "green border areas."

In collaboration with the Government of Kazakhstan, IOM extended invitations to qualified trainers from Border Security Agencies of the Republics of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The primary objectives were to establish their own pool of trainers and provide feedback to refine and enrich the training materials.

Transnational Participation and Collaboration

The Training of Trainers initiative garnered participation from diverse national institutions. Tajikistan was represented by four experienced instructors from the Border Forces of Tajikistan's educational institutions. Kazakhstan contributed 18 officers from the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security and the Ministry of Interior. Uzbekistan was represented by four officers from the Border Service of the country. In total, 26 participants came together to strengthen their expertise and enhance border security.

The training was conducted by two highly qualified personnel from the Border Academy of Kazakhstan, supplemented by the expertise of Mr. Donato Colucci, Senior Border & Identity Solutions Specialist from IOM HQ, and Mr. Pier Rossi-Longhi, Senior Regional IBM Specialist from IOM RO Vienna.

Empowering Border Security for a Better Future

The Training of Trainers initiative on combating migrants' smuggling plays a pivotal role in enhancing border security, not only in Tajikistan but across Central Asia. By equipping national experts with the skills and knowledge to effectively address this complex issue, IOM's intervention contributes to more secure borders, improved protection, and humanitarian support for displaced Afghans and local communities in the region.

As this project advances, it offers a powerful testament to the collaborative efforts of the international community and the commitment of governments in the region to ensure the safety and security of their borders. The initiative not only safeguards borders but empowers nations and communities, creating a brighter and more secure future for all.