Sex trafficking in Kazakhstan

Sex trafficking in Kazakhstan is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and slavery that occurs in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Citizen and foreign victims are sex trafficked into and out of the regions of Kazakhstan. They are raped and physically and psychologically harmed in brothels, businesses, homes, hotel rooms, and other locations within these administrative divisions.

Kazakhstan citizens, primarily women and girls,[1] have been sex trafficked within the country and to other countries in Asia[1] and different continents.[2] Foreign victims are sex trafficked into the country.[2] Children, persons in poverty, and migrants are particularly vulnerable to sex trafficking. Victims are deceived,[2] threatened, and or forced into prostituition or forced marriages.[3] Their passports[2] and other documents are often taken. They suffer from physical and psychological abuse and trauma and are typically guarded and or locked up in poor conditions. A number contract sexually transmitted diseases from rapes. Many victims are afraid to report their experiences to the police because of fears of being stigmatized and rejected by their communities.[2]

The government of Kazakhstan has been criticized for it inadequate anti-sex trafficking efforts and corruption. Police and officials have been accused of being complicit in sex trafficking crimes in the country.[4]

Bride kidnappings

Non-consensual bride abductions, in which women and girls are forced into marriages and pregnancies through force, intimation, or societal pressure, is a form of sex trafficking in Kazakhstan.[3][5]

Non-governmental organizations

The International Organisation for Migration supports projects against sex trafficking in the country.[6][2]

The Sana Sezim Legal Centre for Women's Initiatives conducts anti-sex trafficking efforts in Kazakhstan.[6]

References

1. "Central Asian women targetted by sex traffickers". BBC News. April 10, 2012.
2. "Kazakhstan: A New Destination For Trafficked Women". Radio Free Asia. March 15, 2006.
3. "The Rise of Non-Consensual Bride Kidnapping in Kazakhstan: Developing a Culturally-Informed and Gender-Sensitive Response". Wilson Center. 2013.
4. "2019 Trafficking in Persons Report: Kazakhstan". U.S. Department of State. 2019.
5. "Bride Abductions in Kazakhstan and Human Trafficking Discourse: Tradition vs Moral Acuity". OSU News. March 5, 2018.
6. "US grant to help Kazakhstan build network against human trafficking". CARAVANSERAI. April 25, 2019.