USAID Safe Migration and Combating Trafficking in Persons

OVERVIEW

Tajikistan is an origin country for labor migration, with nearly 10% of its population working outside of the country. Migrant workers are exposed to risks while abroad, including being trafficked. Recently, trafficking in persons has emerged as a growing challenge within Tajikistan as well. The USAID Safe Migration and Combating Trafficking in Persons is a five-year activity aimed at reducing trafficking in persons by promoting safe migration and increasing access to trauma-informed, age-appropriate, gender- and culturally sensitive services for victims and survivors of trafficking.

GOALS

GOAL ONE: PREVENTION

Potential migrants are making safe and informed migration decisions on the basis of accurate and reliable information. The activity will reduce risks of, and migrants’ vulnerability to trafficking when traveling abroad for employment.

GOAL TWO: PROTECTION

National actors within the victim protection system demonstrate improved capacity to protect victims of trafficking. The activity uses a system-strengthening approach to improve the identification of victims of trafficking, as well as increase victims’ access to trauma-informed services.

GOAL THREE: PARTNERSHIPS, COOPERATION AND COORDINATION

Stakeholders countering trafficking in persons (CTIP) in Tajikistan at all levels, including national, regional, and local level demonstrate improved cooperation to develop sustainable mechanisms to prevent trafficking and support victims of trafficking. The activity implements whole-of-government/whole-of-society responses by enhancing partnership strategies to prevent trafficking and provide assistance to victims and survivors of trafficking.

KEY RESULTS

• Capacity of key CTIP stakeholders are enhanced In total 513 stakeholders (69 percent men and 31 percent women) were trained on how to prevent trafficking in persons and assist victims of trafficking. 
• Awareness raising on safe migration and preventing trafficking in persons: As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in Khujand (Sughd province), the campaign reached 800 participants on preventing gender-based violence and avoiding the risks of trafficking in persons, especially among young women and children. 
• Safe Migration Hotline Established: The activity in partnership with NGO Zerkalo, established a hotline with trained operators to provide information and consultation to callers on safe migration and prevent trafficking in persons. 
• Stakeholder Engagement Strengthened: In Tajikistan, workshops brought together 108 stakeholders, including migration authorities, local experts, and NGOs. They discussed safe migration, risks of trafficking challenges, and strategies for coordination and partnership 
• Sub-Awards granted to the partner CSOs: The activity provided grants in the form of food and equipment to 68 individuals, including five victims/survivors of trafficking, 10 vulnerable migrants, and 53 returnees. Such assistance were provided by Activitiy’s local sub-grantees across Tajikistan, including capital, Districts of Republican Subordinates, Khatlon, Sughd and GBAO regions. 
• Improved understanding of gender aspects. Gender and Migration Street Survey was among the population with the assistance of the Asia Plus media company in Dushanbe. The survey results were distributed on social media in the form of animated videos and other materials on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, reaching 70,000 people. This initiative has raised awareness of the gender dynamics of labor migration and the needs and experiences of migrant women. (https://fb.watch/rdro-XzYr7/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v and https://fb.watch/rdr8zb9buB/)

PROJECT BUDGET: $3,500,000

PROJECT DURATION: October 1, 2022- September 30, 2027

IMPLEMENTING ORGANIZATION: International Organization for Migration (IOM)/ UN Migration Agency