A month of combating human trafficking is taking place in Uzbekistan, running from June 30 to July 30. Human trafficking is defined as modern slavery because it is based on the exploitation of people through coercion, deception, and violence, completely violating human rights.
Global Statistics and Threats
According to UN data, more than 2.7 million people become victims of human trafficking every year. Almost 70% of the victims are women and minors. Victims are often kept in a state of fear through physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Furthermore, cases of illegal organ removal from enslaved people occur.
Reform System in Uzbekistan
Systemic reforms are being implemented in Uzbekistan under the leadership of the country's President, aimed at combating human trafficking, providing comprehensive protection to victims, and promoting the principles of decent work. The country's experience in this area is recognized by the IOM as a successful model for study and application internationally, confirmed by Uzbekistan's election to the IOM Governing Board in June 2024.
Activities of National Structures
Tanzila Norboeva, Chair of the Senate and the National Committee on Combating Human Trafficking and Decent Work, pays close attention to the effectiveness of work in this field. Not only are regular meetings of the national committee held, but also other forums and meetings where the necessity of ensuring human dignity and human rights as the foundation of state policy is emphasized. Efforts are also made to meet with citizens of Uzbekistan abroad to resolve their problems.
Strengthening the Legislative Base
The national legislation and law enforcement practices have been modernized in this area. Organizational and practical measures have been strengthened for the widespread implementation of decent work principles and the fight against human trafficking. Public awareness of human trafficking and decent work issues is increasing. Special attention is paid to the introduction of international technical standards in production sectors, and international cooperation is being intensified.
Stricter Criminal Liability
Numerous regulatory legal acts have been adopted to improve the legislative base and implement decent work principles, including the ratification of several International Labour Organization conventions. The powers of labor inspection have been expanded, granting it the right to conduct inspections of compliance with labor legislation without hindrance. Based on inspections conducted by the national committee, written instructions and recommendations are sent to employers to eliminate violations.
Changes in the Criminal Code
According to the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, human trafficking is considered one of the most serious crimes. A law on amending Article 135 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan came into force on May 20, 2025, to tighten penalties for crimes related to human trafficking. Under this law, individuals involved in human trafficking may be deprived of liberty for a term of three to five years. In severe cases, if the crime is committed by a group of persons, repeatedly, or against minors, the prison term is increased to five to ten years, and in the most severe circumstances—from twelve to fifteen years.
Social Support for Victims
Significant changes are observed in identifying crimes related to human trafficking and bringing perpetrators to justice. A system for providing practical assistance to victims of human trafficking has been introduced, including medical and psychological and legal support, employment provision, and assistance with housing issues.
Call for Public Participation
According to T. Norboeva, there are sometimes violations of citizens' labor rights, as well as cases where children and women become victims of human trafficking. She emphasized that contributing to ensuring justice for every affected compatriot is the main task. It is necessary to discuss problems openly, focusing not on the consequences, but on the causes that generate them, requiring active participation not only of state bodies but also of the public and social organizations.
Migration Problem and Awareness
It should be noted that human trafficking remains a problem widespread globally and undermining human rights, despite intensified efforts. Migration to various countries has reached an unprecedented level. Many people fall into the trap of deception when traveling to work in other countries without knowing the conditions there. Cases of offering jobs through deceit are also common. In such conditions, the task of raising the legal literacy of the population and informing them about the risks of human trafficking is extremely important.
International Day of Struggle
It is known that July 30 is the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. In connection with this, the country has launched the '30 Days - Month of Combating Human Trafficking in Partnership'. During this month, organized by the national committee together with partner organizations, special attention is paid to preventing human trafficking crimes. Large-scale information campaigns are conducted to raise public awareness about how this crime occurs and what its consequences are.
