Today, the United States through its Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated five years of achievement through the USAID-funded Dignity and Rights program in Uzbekistan. The program was implemented by the International Organization for Migration and the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan.

The Dignity and Rights program supported the Government of Uzbekistan and the country’s civil society sector to raise awareness about human trafficking with a focus on increasing citizens’ and migrants’ knowledge about their labor and human rights.   

Through the Dignity and Rights program, more than 1,700 victims of trafficking, including vulnerable migrants and migrant victims of domestic violence, returned home and received psychological support and tailored reintegration assistance. The program also provided consultations to over 95,000 people on the risks of human trafficking. In addition, through local partners, nearly a million people were reached during the 30 Days Against Trafficking in Persons campaign implemented through the Dignity and Rights program.   

“We know that countering human trafficking is high on the Government of Uzbekistan’s agenda,” said U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Daniel Rosenblum. “In the last two years, there have been more than 15 legal acts adopted in this area including the establishment of the National Commission on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Forced Labour and the Institute of National Rapporteur.” He added, “We stand ready to support Uzbekistan in the global fight to end human trafficking.”

The U.S. Government through USAID has been working to combat human trafficking in Uzbekistan since 2002. Starting from 2005, USAID has invested more than USD 6 million to raise awareness of human trafficking and provide assistance to the victims of this crime.