Minsk, Belarus - On April 10-11, the International Scientific and Practical Conference "Comprehensive Counteraction to Modern Forms of Human Trafficking, Sexual Violence, and Exploitation of Minors" took place, bringing together law enforcement agencies from Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

In her opening remarks at the event, IOM Belarus Chief of Mission, Mahym Orazmuhammedova, emphasized the connection between human trafficking issues and migration, as well as global frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Compact on  Migration, approved by all countries participating in the conference. 

In Belarus, the IOM has been addressing the issue of human trafficking since 2002. During this period, much has been accomplished: assistance has been provided to over 4,000 victims, Rehabilitation Center for victims of human trafficking has been established, hotline for safe migration and combating human trafficking has been strengthened, thousands of government officials and civil society representatives have been trained, and hundreds of preventive activities for youth have been conducted. 

During the two days of the conference, participants discussed issues related to rehabilitation and reintegration efforts in combating human trafficking, sexual violence, and exploitation of children. They will delve into methods of exposing perpetrators, including through internet reconnaissance.

It is no secret that the complex nature of the crime is a major obstacle to its eradication. Organized criminals are adept at using cutting-edge digital technologies, including social networks, the darknet, and cryptocurrencies, to commit crimes and conceal their profits. To combat this crime, it is crucial to unite efforts at the global and regional levels, and this conference represents an important step towards this goal.