DUSHANBE , March 29, Asia-Plus - A presentation of a draft of the “National Human Trafficking Prevention Program for 2006-2010” was held in Dushanbe on March 28. 

A roundtable meeting to discuss the program was organized within the framework of a cooperation memorandum between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Tajikistan with participation and organizing support of ABA/CEELI and League of Female Lawyers of Tajikistan.  

The meeting participants included representatives from executive and legislative powers, law enforcement agencies, researchers, as well as representatives from international organizations active in Tajikistan and other institutions.  

Dustmurod Murodov, Adviser to the Tajik President for Legal Matters, presenting the draft program noted that it was still open for making changes and addenda introduced by participants at the meeting.   

Abduqodir Muhammadiyev, an official with Tajik Prosecutor-General’s Office, telling the meeting noted that it would more practicable to design the program for 2006-2008.  “It is better to design such documents for shorter period,” he said.  

Ms. Tatiana Zlobina, experts from Kyrgyzstan , noted that Tajikistan ’s strategy on preventing trafficking in persons should be implemented in the interest of labor migrants, “because the labor migration problems are more typical for Tajikistan .”  

Muhammadsaid Juraqulov, head of the Interior Ministry department for combating organized crimes, noted that they tried to combat trafficking in persons through the country unaided.  “But as far as trafficking in persons from the country is concerned, we experience difficulties,” Juraqulov said, linking that to lack of real cooperation with other countries on this subject.  According to him, 27 cases of human trafficking have been reported in the country since the beginning of the year.  

Murodullo Davlatov, head of Tajikistan ’s Committee for Religious Affairs, considers it expedient to cite religious and moral values in this document.  “Although religion cannot be criterion for resolving this problem, I believe it would good to cite moral and religious values in the document,” Mr. Davlatov said.