State Responsibilities in Combating Trafficking in Persons in Central Asia

The author calls on Central Asian governments to meet their international obligations to protect trafficked persons. He begins by describing the trafficking infrastructure in these newly independent states and the economic and political vulnerabilities of women and children. Current state approaches to trafficking are also assessed in terms of conceptualizing trafficking as a specific and serious crime, preventing trafficking, protecting and repatriating victims and prosecuting traffickers. The author argues that Central Asian governments must realize and fulfill international obligations to protect trafficked persons, that international cooperation is essential, and that underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment must be addressed in order to effectively respond to trafficking. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International - Asia]