Uzbekistan Expands Support for Human Trafficking Victims
Uzbekistan has approved new measures to strengthen the identification, protection and social support of human trafficking victims, including new hotlines and rehabilitation services.
Uzbekistan is enhancing its support system for human trafficking victims, following a decree signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The new measures aim to significantly improve the identification of victims and facilitate their reintegration into society. This includes expanding identification methods, improving assistance services, and strengthening social protection.
Under the new decree, preliminary identification of potential human trafficking victims can now be carried out by Inson centres—specialized institutions under the National Agency for Social Protection that serve victims—as well as by non-governmental non-profit organizations.
Upon preliminary assessment, an individual may be designated a "presumed victim of human trafficking" for a maximum period of one month.
Following the final identification process, individuals officially recognized as human trafficking victims can hold this status for up to one year. Territorial commissions dedicated to combating human trafficking and promoting decent work are mandated to complete this final identification within 10 days.
Starting September 1, 2026, the National Agency for Social Protection will launch a 1146 hotline for human trafficking victims. This service will offer advice and information on social, psychological, legal, and other relevant matters.
Additionally, Uzbekistan's diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad will establish hotlines to receive human trafficking reports and provide advisory support to citizens.
The decree also mandates the creation of migration consultation offices at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport and Samarkand International Airport. These offices will utilize artificial intelligence and be funded by the Migration Fund.
The procedure for providing social services to victims has also been outlined. Men, foreign nationals, and repatriates returning to Uzbekistan through special programs will be admitted to the National Rehabilitation Centre for Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking. This center will oversee the activities of specialized regional centers.
Individuals with "presumed victim" status can access services from specialized centers for up to one month, while those officially recognized as victims can receive services for up to six months. Applications for assistance must be submitted within one month of receiving presumed victim status or within one year of obtaining official victim status. Re-admission to specialized centers for the same preliminary identification case is not permitted.
Furthermore, the decree ensures that travel expenses to and from specialized centers will be reimbursed through the Sakhovat va Kumak Fund. This compensation will be one basic calculation unit for travel to the National Rehabilitation Centre and half of a basic calculation unit for travel to specialized regional centers.