U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Kyrgyz Republic
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Author | Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons |
| Publication Date | 5 June 2002 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Kyrgyz Republic, 5 June 2002, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4680d79fc.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Kyrgyz Republic (Tier 3)
Kyrgyz Republic is a country of origin, transit and, to a lesser extent, destination for trafficked women, men and children. Women, mostly under 25 years old, are trafficked for prostitution to the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, Germany and Greece. Men are trafficked to Kazakhstan for forced labor. Women who are either destined for or transiting through Kyrgyz usually come from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
The Government of Kyrgyz does not fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so. Kyrgyz does not have a law that specifically prohibits trafficking. The authorities may use other laws, such as those prohibiting rape, kidnapping and exploitation, to arrest and prosecute traffickers but the penalties for breaking those laws are frequently lighter than punishments for crimes like auto theft or drug use. In addition, the government does not actively investigate or prosecute trafficking cases. The Government of Kyrgyz does not provide protection or assistance for trafficking victims. Moreover, government officials, in some cases, have forced victims to pay bribes to cross the border or have taken bribes from traffickers in exchange for allowing a trafficking operation to continue. Although the government acknowledges that trafficking is a problem, it has not conducted any public awareness campaigns or other programs targeted specifically to prevent trafficking. The government supports other programs that may help curb trafficking, such as initiatives to keep children in school and the "Ayalzat" plan to improve the status of women. The government has been cooperating with international organization efforts to conduct research and public information programs.
