Within the framework of the National Action Plan for 2020-2022 on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, the IOM Mission in Turkmenistan organized an online training for civil society organizations and associations. The seminar brought together representatives of Magtymguly Youth Organization, the Women's Union of Turkmenistan and the National Red Crescent Society, as well as public associations "Ynam", "Ýenme", "Masgala" among others.

The main goal of the webinar, held within the framework of the IOM Regional Project "Mitigating the socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants and communities in Central Asia and the Russian Federation" is to discuss the role of civil society organizations in the fight against trafficking in human beings, as well as the implementation of the second National Action Plan for 2020-2022 on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

IOM International expert Tatiana Fomina (Republic of Moldova) acquainted the participants with global trends in human trafficking, in particular, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, as well as the best international practices in countering this problem. The expert emphasized the need to organize awareness raising campaigns in this area.

Head of the IOM office in Turkmenistan, Azat Atajanov, spoke about the possibilities of using electronic means of communication to prevent human trafficking and identify victims.

Webinar participants called for the development of a National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to protect and promote the human rights of trafficked persons, co-ordinate interdepartmental cooperation in this sphere.

Ayjahan ATABALLYEVA