Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 21 January 2024 – The Tajik Foreign Ministry's information department confirms the successful repatriation of three Tajik citizens who fell victim to human trafficking in Myanmar. The coordinated efforts of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Malaysia, the Royal Thai authorities, the Embassy of Myanmar in Malaysia, the International Organization for Migration in Tajikistan (IOM), and the International Justice Mission (IJM) facilitated their safe return on 20 January 2024.

Upon their arrival, the relevant Tajik authorities began rehabilitating the returnees and provided psychological support for them, implementing preventive measures to safeguard against similar incidents in the future.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan extends gratitude to the authorities of Thailand and Myanmar, as well as the International Organization for Migration and the International Justice Mission, for their collaborative efforts in protecting the rights and interests of Tajik citizens.

In a related context, the recently released Global Slavery Index 2023 by human rights group Walk Free sheds light on the prevalence of modern slavery worldwide. Tajikistan is listed among the top 10 countries facing this challenge. Grace Forrest, Founding Director of Walk Free, emphasizes the pervasive nature of modern slavery and its connection to global economic inequalities, especially through transnational supply chains.

For further information, please contact: RAHMATJONOV Bahrom brahmatjonov@iom.int