A JOINT INFORMATION MARATHON PROJECT HAS BEEN LAUNCHED ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE VICTIMS OF THE SLAVE TRADE

Today, on August 23, a press conference was held by the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan Elvira Azimova together with representatives of non-governmental organizations (OF "Rodnik", OF "Public Position", OO "Meyerim", OO PCJI "Sana Sezim", OO"Daris", OO Social Development Fund from Almaty), the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the police departments of Almaty, Taraz and Aktau regions on the launch of the information marathon "Together against human trafficking: AlmatyTarazAktau". Every year, on August 23, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Slave Trade and its Elimination is celebrated throughout the world. This day was established on the initiative of UNESCO on the day of the slave revolt of Saint-Domingue and Haiti in 1791, which marked the beginning of the process of eliminating the system of slavery. On this day, the world community pays tribute to all those who, acting together or alone, contribute to the prevention and prevention of human trafficking around the world. The implementation of this project is also supported by the US Embassy in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In her speech at the press conference, the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Elvira Azimova, noted: "To successfully counteract the facts of human trafficking, a qualitative change in approaches to solving existing problems, close interaction and systematic work of authorized bodies, consolidation of the efforts of the state and civil society are necessary. The current crisis caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus affects all countries and societies. The new situation has a particularly negative impact on vulnerable categories of the population, including thousands of migrants. Victims of human trafficking, sometimes, simply drop out of society. And it's not just that they are forced to work, and they do not receive payment for the work done. Victims of such crimes are deprived of the opportunity to claim the freedoms and human rights guaranteed by the State. Therefore, it is necessary to pay careful attention to the identification and investigation of crimes related to human trafficking. This is a crime that violates several citizen's rights: the right to work, decent wages, health protection, and, in the end, honor, and dignity."

"The target group is potential victims of human trafficking, employees of state institutions, and law enforcement agencies. All activities are aimed at reducing the scale of human trafficking in Kazakhstan by raising awareness among potential victims, as well as strengthening the capacity of individuals and organizations that can provide protection. Trips to the border, training with employees of Receivers and distribution Centers for people without a fixed place of residence, trips to small towns and rural areas, mobile consultations at train stations and airports are expected. The geography of the project: Almaty and Almaty region, Taraz and Zhambyl region, Aktau and Mangystau region," said Nina Balabayeva, director of the Public Foundation "Rodnik" (Almaty city).

According to Elvira Azimova, since the beginning of this year, the internal affairs bodies have initiated 87 criminal cases related to human trafficking.

In early June 2021, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev adopted a decree on priority measures to be taken to ensure guaranteed protection of human rights. The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan has started implementing a Plan of priority 26 measures, of which 16 measures are planned to be completed by the end of 2021, including measures to legally strengthen the mechanism for preventing human trafficking and to provide assistance to victims and ensure their protection during criminal investigations of criminal cases.

For reference: according to the information of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, criminal cases were initiated under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

- according to Article 125, part 3, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code (kidnapping for exploitation) - 1;

- under Article 126, part 3, paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code (illegal deprivation of liberty for exploitation) - 3;

- under Article 128 of the Criminal Code (human trafficking) - 6;

- under Article 134 of the Criminal Code (involvement of a minor in prostitution) - 4;

- under Article 135 of the Criminal Code (trafficking in minors) - 11;

- under Article 308 of the Criminal Code (involvement in prostitution) -6;

- under Article 309 of the Criminal Code (organization or maintenance of brothels for prostitution and pandering) - 56.

Additionally: https://mangystaumedia.kz/ru/region/108789