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Human Trafficking

Kazakhstan Reports 134 Human Trafficking Cases in First Half of 2025

July 30 marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013. On this day, global attention turns to one of the gravest human rights violations: the exploitation of men, women, and children in various forms. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, 134 human trafficking-related crimes were recorded in the first six months of 2025. The country has maintained an anti-trafficking program since 2002, implemented with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Over this period, 1,891 victims of labor and sexual exploitation have received assistance. “This day reminds us that human trafficking remains one of the most serious violations of human rights, affecting millions of men, women, and children around the world. No country is immune, whether it is a country of origin, transit, or destination,” the IOM stated. Organized Crime and Exploitation The 2025 IOM campaign theme is “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime - End the Exploitation.” According to the UN, 74% of traffickers are affiliated with organized criminal networks. Between 2020 and 2023, over 200,000 cases of human trafficking were officially reported worldwide, though experts caution the real figure is likely far higher due to underreporting and lack of awareness. Kazakhstan's Role in Regional Trafficking Trends IOM data from 2004 to 2020 indicate that Kazakhstan was the leading destination country for human trafficking victims in Central Asia, with 1,741 cases of exploitation documented. Other destination countries included the UAE (61 cases), Turkey and Russia (28 each), and Iran (7), among others. In terms of origin countries, Uzbekistan accounted for the highest number of trafficking victims (944), followed by Kazakhstan (774), Kyrgyzstan (72), and Russia (28). Smaller numbers came from Tajikistan, Mongolia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and several other countries. [caption id="attachment_34461" align="alignnone" width="300"] @iom.int[/caption] Victim Demographics and Exploitation Types Among the identified victims, 52% were men (981), 47.9% were women (907), and 0.1% (3 individuals) identified as transgender. The majority were working-age adults: 35.8% were aged 18-25, while 36.4% were over 30. Labor exploitation was the most common form, accounting for 1,151 cases (60.9%), followed by sexual exploitation with 711 cases (37.6%). Other forms, such as forced begging, childbirth, or participation in armed conflicts, made up 1.5% (29 cases). Support Mechanisms and Legal Developments Until 2020, IOM played a central role in assisting victims with repatriation, shelter, psychological support, medical care, and documentation. In recent years, these responsibilities have increasingly shifted to the state. In 2024, Kazakhstan enacted a new Law on Combating Trafficking in Persons, developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs with IOM’s technical support. The legislation outlines protections for victims and mandates public awareness campaigns.

Travel Ban

Travel Ban Overturned: Turkmen Woman and Her Daughter Rejoin Family in Turkey

After nearly a year of separation, Zulfiya Kazhir and her six-year-old daughter Sena have finally been allowed to leave Turkmenistan and reunite with their family in Turkey. The case drew widespread public attention after the pair, Zulfiya, a Turkmen citizen, and Sena, a Turkish citizen, were detained while attempting to leave the country in September 2024. The long-awaited reunion took place on July 15, and a video capturing the emotional moment was shared on TikTok by Zulfiya’s husband, Turkish national Ahmed Sefa Kacir. A Sudden Separation In the summer of 2024, Zulfiya traveled to Turkmenistan with Sena to renew her documents. However, their scheduled return flight on September 18 was abruptly halted when Zulfiya was denied boarding at Ashgabat airport. Authorities cited her temporary placement on a no-fly list, though no further explanation was provided at the time. Only later did Turkmenistan’s migration service inform her that she was subject to a travel ban. Despite numerous appeals to both Turkmen and Turkish authorities, the family’s efforts to lift the restriction proved unsuccessful for many months. The situation was especially dire due to Sena’s medical and developmental needs. Diagnosed with gluten intolerance and autism spectrum disorder, she requires a specific diet, regular hygiene protocols, and access to developmental therapy, services largely unavailable in Turkmenistan. Collective Punishment After nearly ten months of legal and diplomatic stalemate, Zulfiya learned that the travel ban was linked to her brother’s alleged involvement in armed conflicts in Syria. Although he had not lived in Turkmenistan for over 20 years and Zulfiya had no contact with him, her name was included on a restricted travel list alongside other relatives, a practice critics describe as a form of collective punishment. A Direct Plea to the President As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, frustrated by the lack of progress, Zulfiya recorded a video appeal to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, calling for an end to the restriction on her freedom of movement. In the message, she identified her family as ethnic Tatars and explained that her mother and sister also hoped to leave for Tatarstan, their ancestral homeland. “Let me and my daughter return home,” she pleaded in the video, which was widely circulated online. Shortly afterward, the travel ban was lifted. On July 15, her husband posted a video from the airport showing the family’s emotional reunion, filled with hugs, tears, and relief, marking the conclusion of their nearly year-long ordeal.

Human rights

Uzbekistan Rejects UN Allegations in Gulnara Karimova Case

The government of Uzbekistan has formally rejected allegations by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning the case of Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of the country’s late president, Islam Karimov. The UN body had earlier declared that Karimova’s 2014 detention was arbitrary and lacked a legal basis. In a response published by Uzbekistan’s National Center for Human Rights, the government asserted that all criminal proceedings against Karimova were conducted in full compliance with national legislation and international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. “The government is concerned that the Working Group formed its opinion based on one-sided and subjective information provided by the source, while Uzbekistan’s official response was not taken into account due to procedural deadlines,” the statement read. “This approach undermines the principles of impartiality that UN bodies must observe.” Legal Process and Rights of the Defendant According to the statement, Karimova had access to legal counsel throughout the legal process. She retained the right to choose or be appointed a lawyer, to review case materials, to appeal court decisions, and to consult privately with her legal representative. The government rejected claims that she had been subjected to extended house arrest without due process or that she faced a so-called “kitchen trial.” Officials maintained that all procedures and hearings were held lawfully. “At present, she has the right to appeal court decisions as provided by law,” the statement noted. Authorities also dismissed any suggestion that the prosecution was politically motivated. “All actions by law enforcement and judicial authorities were based solely on legal and factual grounds confirming the defendant’s guilt, and were unrelated to her economic activities, political status, or views,” the statement read. Karimova was convicted of tax evasion, money laundering, illegal appropriation of state property, fraud, and other serious crimes. According to the government, these actions resulted in significant financial losses to the state. Officials stated that all verdicts were supported by evidence and issued by competent courts. International Cooperation and Asset Repatriation The statement also drew attention to the 2022 agreement between Uzbekistan and Switzerland to establish the Vision 2030 Fund, financed by assets previously associated with Karimova. The fund supports Uzbekistan’s national reform agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is administered through the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund. In closing, the government reaffirmed its commitment to international human rights obligations and expressed its willingness to maintain constructive dialogue with UN mechanisms. “The government reserves the right to defend its reputation in international institutions and to convey reliable information to all interested parties,” the statement concluded.

Refugees

Tajikistan Gives Afghan Refugees 15 Days to Leave

Tajikistan has launched a large-scale campaign to detain and deport Afghan refugees, giving them just 15 days to leave the country. The move, reported by Afghanistan’s Khaama Press and confirmed by the UN refugee agency UNHCR, has sparked fear and confusion among thousands of Afghans in Tajikistan, including many with valid residency permits or official asylum documentation. According to Khaama Press, detentions have intensified in recent days, particularly around Vahdat township and Rudaki district near the capital, Dushanbe. Afghan men are reportedly being arrested in large numbers, often directly from their workplaces, with little to no warning or opportunity to contact family members. The deportation order is believed to affect thousands of Afghans, including individuals legally residing in Tajikistan while awaiting resettlement to countries such as Canada. Many are former civil servants, military personnel, or others affiliated with the pre-Taliban Afghan government who fled after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Human rights advocates warn that forced repatriation could expose them to immediate danger UNHCR Condemnation and International Concerns The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed deep concern over Tajikistan’s actions. In January 2025, UNHCR urged Dushanbe to cease deportations after confirming that at least 80 Afghan refugees were forcibly returned in December 2024, despite holding UN-issued refugee documents. UNHCR stated that these deportations violate international protection obligations and risk exposing vulnerable individuals to persecution, detention, or violence in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. As of late 2024, approximately 9,000 Afghan refugees were officially registered in Tajikistan. With the new 15-day ultimatum and ongoing arrests, many more are now at risk. Refugee advocates report that detentions are being carried out indiscriminately, often without regard for legal status. Part of a Wider Regional Crackdown Tajikistan’s campaign mirrors broader regional trends. In recent months, both Iran and Pakistan have undertaken mass deportations of Afghan nationals. Human rights organizations have documented widespread reports of abuse, intimidation, and even killings of returnees by Taliban forces. Observers warn that options for Afghan refugees are rapidly diminishing. Resettlement programs remain slow, and few countries have opened new asylum pathways. As a result, thousands of displaced Afghans across Central and South Asia face a stark choice: live under constant threat of arrest and expulsion or return to a homeland where persecution may await.

Human rights

Torture in Tajikistan: A Systemic Problem Demanding Deep Reform

Despite recent legislative improvements and mounting international scrutiny, torture remains a persistent issue in Tajikistan. Experts warn that without comprehensive reform of law enforcement institutions and the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, the problem is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. Legislative Progress Fails to Translate into Practice Tajikistan has taken some legal steps in recent years to address the issue. Laws have been strengthened, more cases are being investigated, and several police officers have faced prosecution. “In the past two to three years, there has been gradual progress both in legislation and in the review of torture cases,” said Khushbakht Isoev, a torture documentation specialist at the human rights NGO Mir Prava and a member of the Coalition Against Torture in Tajikistan. However, Isoev notes that violent abuse by law enforcement officers, especially during detention, continues to be documented. Most cases never make it to court due to insufficient evidence or pressure on victims to remain silent. 25 Torture Complaints in 18 Months According to data from the Coalition Against Torture, 25 complaints were filed against law enforcement agencies in 2024 and the first half of 2025. The majority, 17 cases, were directed at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, while others involved the State Committee for National Security, anti-corruption bodies, and drug control agencies. One complaint named employees of the General Prosecutor’s Office. The geographic distribution of these complaints spans the country: 11 came from Sughd Province, six from Dushanbe, and the remainder from Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) and other districts under direct central administration. Human rights defenders assisted 11 victims in securing legal representation and provided legal consultations to 14 others. They also prepared over 70 procedural documents and issued more than 100 oral legal recommendations. Yet, as Isoev points out, criminal charges are rarely pursued. “Torture is denied and rarely substantiated with evidence,” he said. Since January 2024, only six cases involving law enforcement officers have led to criminal proceedings. One of these cases dates back seven years and was only reopened after the accused was located. Some trials have resulted in sentencing, while others remain under investigation. Still, the number of prosecutions remains disproportionately low compared to the volume of complaints. Structural Barriers to Justice In 2012, Tajikistan introduced Article 143(1) into its Criminal Code, criminalizing torture as a distinct offense. This allowed lawyers and activists to move beyond vague “abuse of power” charges and pursue more precise legal accountability. “Introducing a specific article on torture was a critical step, but it has not addressed the systemic nature of the problem,” Isoev emphasized. One of the key obstacles is the inherent conflict of interest in the investigation process: cases of alleged torture are typically handled by the very agencies whose officers are accused. This creates opportunities for evidence tampering, witness intimidation, and coercion of victims into rejecting legal representation. Many detainees and their families are pressured not to file complaints or to forego legal counsel. Torture cases are often delayed without justification, and victims remain fearful...

Human rights

UN Rules Gulnara Karimova’s Arrest Was Unlawful and Arbitrary

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has determined that the 2014 arrest of Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbekistan’s late President Islam Karimov, was both unlawful and arbitrary. The finding was published in a recent report on the website of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Working Group reviewed the case under its standard communications procedure following a petition submitted in late 2024. According to the report, Karimova was detained in February 2014 without a warrant and held under varying conditions, including 18 months of house arrest alongside her child. Her first judicial appearance occurred only on August 21, 2015, reportedly in a hearing conducted in her kitchen. During this period, she was denied a genuine opportunity to contest her detention or understand the charges brought against her. The UN body concluded that Uzbekistan violated several provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the rights to prompt judicial review, to be informed of the charges, and to access legal counsel. International and Domestic Legal Violations Parallel to domestic proceedings, legal action in a third country led to convictions of several co-defendants for laundering over $600 million through companies connected to Karimova. Although her legal team contested asset forfeitures abroad, Karimova has alleged that Uzbek authorities pressured her lawyers to withdraw their motions. The Working Group has called on the Uzbek government to provide Karimova with reparations, including financial compensation, and to conduct a “full and independent investigation” into her arbitrary detention. It also urged accountability for those responsible. The UN panel initially requested the government’s response by February 24, 2025. However, Uzbekistan submitted its response one day late, rendering it procedurally invalid. As a result, the Group issued its opinion based solely on the information available. Both the Uzbek government and the petitioner have been requested to submit updates within six months. These should address whether compensation has been provided, whether an investigation has been conducted, and whether any legal reforms have been implemented in response to the ruling. The decision strengthens the UN’s ongoing calls for Uzbekistan to bring its judicial practices in line with international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Asset Recovery Agreement with Switzerland In a related development, Uzbekistan and Switzerland signed an agreement in February 2025 to return approximately $182 million in assets confiscated from Karimova. The funds had been frozen by Swiss prosecutors in 2012 as part of a wide-ranging corruption investigation. Under the agreement, the funds will be transferred to Uzbekistan through the UN-administered Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund. This follows an earlier accord in August 2022 to return $131 million, bringing the total amount of repatriated assets to $313 million. The case of Gulnara Karimova continues to draw comparisons to that of Dariga Nazarbayeva, the eldest daughter of former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. While Karimova faced prosecution and widespread asset seizures, Nazarbayeva retained her political influence and substantial wealth.