Feminist Critiques of Human Trafficking in Central Asia: Focus on Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

This paper analyses the feminist approach to combating trafficking in human beings (THB) in Central Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, while attempting to answer the question: “Is there a feminist critique of human trafficking in Kyrgyzstan?” More specifically, this paper conducts analysis of the way anti-trafficking campaigns and efforts by local organizations and NGOs incorporate gender mainstreaming principles in the design of their projects and the impact such projects really have on the situation of THB in the country from a feminist viewpoint. The emphasis is on the activity of the United Nation International Organization for Migration (IOM), it being the largest anti-THB actor in Kyrgyzstan. The study hopes to add to the emergent literature on the topic as it explores the social conditions in the country that might impede progress in regarding anti-THB efforts in the current security regime of Kyrgyzstan from a feminist perspective.