The research provides an in-depth analysis of the trafficking phenomenon in, from and to Afghanistan, based on first-hand data collected mainly from expert interviews and a field survey conducted in Kabul and nine border provinces.
It represents the first attempt to interview a wide range of victims and actors and is an important addition to an initial report on human trafficking in Afghanistan published by IOM in 2004.
"We know that trafficking gravely affects Afghanistan from anecdotal evidence and from cases which we have assisted, but actual data and analysis has been very scarce until now," says Nigina Mamadjonova, IOM Afghanistan's Counter Trafficking Programme Manager.
Among the factors making Afghan people extremely vulnerable to human trafficking are more than two decades of conflict, the subsequent loss of lives and livelihoods, prolonged economic instability and deteriorating security.
The report discusses these push factors and the demographics of trafficked victims, including age, gender, place of origin and educational background, in comparison with smuggled migrants and victims of kidnapping.
It also analyzes trafficking methods and destinations. Recognizing that some elements of control and exploitation were experienced by all victims of trafficking, regardless of their nationality or gender, the patterns and extent of violence are also closely examined.
The report also looks at the roles of key counter trafficking partners, particularly the Government of Afghanistan, in order to recognize achievements and identify gaps in the areas of prevention, law enforcement and protection of victims. It also recommends short- to medium-term action to combat the problem.
The report is currently available in English and will soon be made available in Dari and Pashto. Copies can be obtained from the office of IOM Afghanistan or downloaded from:
http://www.iom.int/jahia/webdav/shared/shared/mainsite/activities/countries/docs/afghanistan/iom report trafficking_afghanistan.pdf
For further information, please contact Nigina Mamadjonova at IOM Kabul, Tel + 93 (0) 700 066041, Email: nmamadjonova@iom.int or Katsui Kaya, Tel +93 (0) 700 18596, Email: kkaya@iom.int
