Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- UNODC’s awareness raising campaign against human trafficking has extended to mass media and social networks, disseminating essential information for the public on threats of trafficking in persons and ways to avoid of being trapped into exploitation. 

The vulnerability of individuals, especially those in financial distress, often makes them easy targets for traffickers. Traffickers may act as successful businessmen, suggesting that the lucrative job opportunity is confidential, advising the victim not to share the information with family or friends. Similarly, the 'lover boy' scheme is another common tactic, where a seemingly wealthy man targets and befriends a woman, often from an underprivileged background, and shortly after offers her luxurious vacations and lavish gifts. Upon arrival at the destination, the woman is sold to traffickers. 

Another point of confusion is the distinction between human trafficking and migrant smuggling. While both are illicit activities, they are fundamentally different. Human trafficking involves traffickers recruiting vulnerable individuals, transporting them to a new location, and forcing them into exploitation. Migrant smuggling, on the other hand, entails individuals seeking assistance for illegal entry into a country where they do not have legal permission to stay. UNODC notes during the interviews that these two crimes often intersect, as smuggled individuals can end up in trafficking situations due to their vulnerable status upon arrival.

In interviews, posts, discussions with communities, UNODC emphasized vigilance, advising thorough verification of job offers and work conditions, especially if they look very attractive are relate to the main trafficking in persons routes for citizens of the Central Asia countries including Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Georgia, Saudi Arabia. The offers promising high salaries without requiring specific skills or language knowledge should raise suspicion. Furthermore, offered accommodation, especially if it is within or near the workplace, meals, transportation to the destination are other potential red flags.

UNODC emphasizes that one should be cautious about such offers, especially if they seem too good to be true. It's crucial to question such disproportionate generosity and consider the potential for ulterior motives.

UNODC emphasizes the importance of staying alert, informed, and cautious. Awareness is key in preventing human trafficking, and together, we can fight this crime.

To protect oneself from falling into the trap of trafficking in persons, UNODC recommends:

Cross-check information, especially of attractive job proposals, in Internet, ask relatives and friends, other people in social networks, and decline the job offer if you trace at least one of the red flags:

• there is no information about the company you are offered the job, 

• the promised salary is higher than it is usually paid for similar jobs, 

• relevant education and job experience are not required, 

• the promised accommodation is at or near the workplace, 

• the accommodation, meals and transportation to the destination are arranged without asking to cover the costs prior to departure, 

• you are promised to see your contract only at the destination,

• you are required to leave immediately, 

• if you think too long or refuse to accept the job offer, you receive threats.

Sign the work contract before leaving and after scrutinizing the terms.

Inform relatives and friends: take note of personal details and photos of the person who offered the job and of the company you plan to work at and leave it for your relatives and friends. If something happens, it will be a very important information for law enforcement. 

Agree on a secret sign with your relatives and friends if you appear in danger. They will need that you need immediate help. 

Collect emergency contacts: ensure you leave having the contact details of the embassy or consulate, police and of non-governmental organization in the destination for immediate assistance. 

Leave the place of exploitation at earliest possibility and ask for help anyone in the street or call the embassy, the police or the non-governmental organization.