Hundreds of Istaravshan city residents learn about threats of trafficking in persons’ through a mobile theatrical show performed by known and honored actor of the Republic of Tajikistan, Alovuddin Abdulloyev and his team on March 28, 2017.

The series of mobile theatrical performances are organized under the USAID Dignity and Rights Project, which is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Tajikistan and is made possible by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to IOM Tajikistan, the performances teach audience about the threat of human trafficking by showing real problems and the current forms of trafficking in persons, as well as how to keep themselves and their families safe from traffickers.  Although the stories are fictional and any similarity with real life is purely coincidental, the plays show what happens to victims of trafficking and what could happen to anyone who is not cautious.

The performances especially target youth and women, as they are particularly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation because they often do not have enough information on working and living conditions and laws in other countries and cities, as well as about own rights and how to defend themselves legally.

Previous theatrical performances organized by IOM Tajikistan in different cities and districts of the country were highly welcomed by regional governments and communities, generating much interest.

The project’s overall goal is to raise awareness of people, especially labor migrants, on their labor rights, as well as empowering civil society to protect the rights of migrants, potential migrants and their families, as well as the rights of the population as a whole.