U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Kazakhstan
| 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 - Kazakhstan, 5 June 2002, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4680d79e23.html [accessed 28 May 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. |
Kazakhstan (Tier 2)
Kazakhstan is a source, transit and destination country for women and men trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation and labor. Victims are trafficked to Kazakhstan from the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and trafficked to the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Cyprus, France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, South Korea, Turkey, Israel and Albania.
The Government of Kazakhstan does not yet fully comply with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. In February 2002, a temporary measure was amended to the criminal code to cover trafficking of adults. Existing law already prohibited trafficking in children. Some actions have been brought under existing statutes or as civil actions in sexual and labor exploitation cases. The government has initiated training programs for law enforcement and is conducting random investigations of travel agencies promising work abroad. Corruption is a problem at many levels, and the government has convicted at least one customs official for taking bribes. The government has cooperated with international investigations. There is no government action on victim services. Some trafficked victims are initially jailed for prostitution or labor violations, or are returned to their home countries by immigration officials without further investigation of their situations. However, if it is determined that an individual is a trafficked victim, the government cooperates with NGOs to secure victim services provided by NGOs. Victims are encouraged to assist in the investigation of the traffickers, provided with restitution by NGOs, and are shielded from the trafficker during court proceedings. Aside from mandatory education through age 16, the government does not provide prevention programs. With the consent of the government, NGOs have conducted informational roundtables and public awareness campaigns. In 2000, the National Committee for Women and Children developed a Plan to Advance the Status of Women. Many of the goals of the Committee have already been realized.
