Turkmenabat – The public campaign to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July) was organized in Turkmenabat, Lebap region of Turkmenistan by the Mission of International Organization for Migration jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan, international organizations and diplomatic missions in Turkmenistan such as: U.S. Embassy, UNFPA, UNODC, UNICEF, WHO, OSCE and USAID.

The event took place at “Bitaraplyk” park of Turkmenabad and brought together more than 400 people represented by the local population, authorities, law enforcement agencies, media, NGOs and public associations of Turkmenistan.

The event served as a platform for people, artists, singers, NGOs and youth — to raise the public awareness on the risks of trafficking in human beings and consequences of illegal migration. The highlight of the event was the handprints that symbolized being together in eradication of such social threat as trafficking in persons. During the event every guest had an opportunity to leave their handprints on the banner and hence join to the fight against trafficking in persons.

The program of the event also included concert, quiz sessions, flashmob, drawing competition and lots of prizes. The quiz sessions, facilitated by the representative of the IOM, UNFPA, NGO and the Ministry of Interior, helped the audience to become aware of the problem, encouraged the local population to educate each other. The public campaign was a reminder to all of us about a personal and professional responsibility and necessity to think and care about the people, involved in trafficking- victims of trafficking and as said IOM Director General William Lacy Swing, to be solidary with the many victims of human trafficking.

Holding for the first time in Turkmenistan, such a joint public campaign devoted to the World Day against Trafficking in Persons once more underlines joint efforts and commitments of the Government, diplomatic missions, international agencies, public associations, and the whole population in the fight against trafficking in persons.

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For additional questions, please contact:

Dovlet Chariyev

IOM Communication Focal Point

E-mail: dchariyev@iom.int

Tel:+99312 488407