Uzbek mahallas can help combat human trafficking, says forum
Monday, January 03, 2011 - Local social institutions known as mahallas can be an effective way to combat human trafficking, according to participants in a recent mahalla conference in Karakalpakstan.
Mahallas originated as local councils in Uzbekistan that addressed public and private issues. However, during the Soviet Union these local councils were turned into a state organization that spied on citizens.
The Uzbek government in 1993 reinstated the mahallas to uphold Uzbek morality and nationhood.
“Mahalla is the first place a person turns to when he or she is in trouble, said Nurilbay Kaypbergenov, a local Karakalpakstan mahalla leader, UzDaily.com reported Monday.
“It is important that mahallas are aware of the situation in the families and provide necessary help when needed.”
Participants in the Karakalpakstan forum included village leaders as well as representatives from local law enforcement who met to increase cooperation in their battle against human trafficking.
Uzbek President Islam Karimov in 2008 signed a resolution to improve the country’s ability to crack down on human traffickers.
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