Safe Migration in Central Asia Quarterly Report Year 2 Quarter 3 (Apr - Jun 2021)

The initiative is implemented in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Cooperative Agreement No. AID-72011519CA00002. Regional strategies and actions to promote rights-based migration and counter trafficking in persons are being strengthened. Bilateral and multi-country approaches to combating trafficking in persons (CTIP) and labor migration are being coordinated and cohesive among source and destination countries. In Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, efforts are underway to improve the collection, availability, and use of data and evidence around trafficking in persons (TIP) and CTIP. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the vulnerability of at-risk populations to all forms of TIP is being reduced. At-risk populations have access to information, services, and skills to safeguard their rights. In Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajik Communities in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, safe migration frameworks are being enhanced and enforced. Women-headed households are being targeted with specific interventions to reduce their vulnerability to TIP. Identification and assistance to trafficked persons are being expanded and improved. Enhanced policies and mechanisms for victim identification, referral, and assistance are being implemented in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Turkmenistan. Improved availability, quality, and access to victim services are being ensured in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the capacity of criminal justice actors to identify and process TIP cases is being strengthened. Country-specific summaries highlight progress and challenges in each country. In Kazakhstan, efforts are focused on improving data collection and enhancing safe migration frameworks. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the program is working to strengthen the capacity of criminal justice actors and improve victim services. In Turkmenistan, the program is focused on enhancing safe migration frameworks and improving victim services. In Uzbekistan, the program is working to improve data collection and enhance safe migration frameworks. Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities are ongoing to assess the program's progress and identify areas for improvement. Cross-cutting themes, including complementarity, sustainability, gender equity, and youth engagement, are being addressed throughout the program. Challenges, including pandemic limitations and government partner dynamics, are being addressed through future directions and upcoming activities.