Combating Trafficking in Persons by Addressing Online Recruitment in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Although most victims of trafficking in Central Asia are still being recruited using traditional methods, several cases of recruitment via online social networks fell under attention of IOM in Central Asia as a new trend in the region. On the other hand, the above mentioned report states that mobile and internet technologies can be leveraged to assist workers and migrants to connect with crucial social networks of support, family, friends, and information.

In this context, the proposed project will contribute to combating trafficking in persons by addressing online recruitment for trafficking purposes and employing information and communications technology (ICT) strategies to prevent trafficking in persons (TIP) in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This objective will be achieved through conducting an assessment to examine the use of Internet by criminal actors in trafficking in persons in the proposed countries. Secondly, the project will support TIP prevention by developing a regional mobile app addressing issues on counter-trafficking and safe migration. Finally, capacity building on investigation and prosecution of trafficking in persons offences involving Internet will be provided to law enforcement agencies. The project will also provide training to NGOs and service providers on usage of ICT strategies to assist victims of trafficking through sharing information where and how to obtain needed services and raising monetary contributions from people to run shelters and provide direct assistance.