On February 19, 2025, a working meeting of the Interagency Commission on Combating Human Trafficking under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan was held in the conference hall of B. Gafurov Khujand State University. The meeting gathered members of the regional commission from cities and districts of Sughd province. This initiative was carried out under the instructions of the Head of the Interagency Commission on Combating Human Trafficking, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Lieutenant General of Police Alamshozoda Abdurahmon Alamsho.

The working group of the Interagency Commission consisted of legal scholars, experts, and representatives of international organizations. They provided participants with valuable guidance on protecting human rights and freedoms from exploitation and discrimination, combating human trafficking, assisting trafficking victims, understanding different forms of human rights violations, and other key aspects of the topic.

The meeting began with remarks from the Deputy Chairman of Sughd province, Jamshed Jurazoda, who outlined the event’s objectives and described human trafficking as a serious social issue with political implications. He emphasized that failure to address human trafficking prevention could harm the country’s international reputation.

During the meeting, legal expert and Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs, Major General of Police Karim Hojiyevich Soliev, Professor of Criminal Law and Anti-Corruption at the Tajik National University Takdirsho Sharipov, and representative of the International Organization for Migration Bahrom Rahmatjonov provided insights on Tajikistan’s national plan to combat human trafficking. They discussed the role of regional commissions in preventing trafficking-related crimes, the spread of human trafficking, its political consequences, and Tajikistan’s stance on this issue.

Speakers highlighted Tajikistan’s firm commitment to fighting human trafficking and addressing all forms of human rights violations both domestically and internationally. The broad and active work of the Regional Interagency Commission allows for a stronger response to this issue. Victims of human trafficking are provided with care and support to safeguard their rights, freedoms, lives, and well-being. As a member of the international community, Tajikistan prioritizes human rights and recognizes them as a fundamental constitutional value.

Forced labor, sexual exploitation, economic exploitation, coercive services through intimidation and violence, and fraudulent schemes are among the prevalent forms of human trafficking today. These issues were discussed in detail during the session, with real-life examples illustrating the severity of the problem. Additionally, guidance was provided on the treatment and support of trafficking victims.

The working group called on regional commission members to engage in collective efforts to combat human trafficking, enhance awareness campaigns among the population, and organize training and educational events with the support of local government structures.

Akbar Sharifi, Police Lieutenant Colonel
Source: www.vkd.tj