The development of Mongolia’s mining industry in the Gobi region has led to an increase in internal and international migration towards the mining sites, creating new challenges, and increasing the risk of irregular migration, including cross-border human trafficking.
In order to raise awareness and formulate plans, IOM yesterday concluded a two-day training for social workers, medical staff, educators, employment officers, local police and business representatives. The course covered identifying victims, providing assistance, referral and ultimately preventing human trafficking, focusing on the southern mining areas.
The training, held in the capital Ulaanbaatar, was part of a project co-funded by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) of the European Union aimed at “Protecting the rights of vulnerable migrants and victims of human trafficking in Mongolia”.
The project is being run collaboratively with local project partners, the Mongolian Gender and Equity Centre (MGEC) and End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT).
The workshop was jointly opened by IOM Mongolia Chief of Mission Pär Liljert and the Head of the Law and Policy Department at the Mongolian Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs, Ms. Enkhtuya.
Ms. Enkhtuya noted: “The issue of human trafficking is a priority for the Ministry. The Ministry will make all efforts to promote cooperation and support the prevention of human trafficking crimes.”
The project, which commenced in January 2016, will also provide direct assistance to victims of human trafficking including shelter and livelihood support, conduct awareness campaigns, and set up a migrant resource center in Umnugobi Province.
