Human trafficking is dangerous not only because it is related to organised crime, but also because it is a serious violation of human rights. One of the features of human trafficking is the fact that its victims are exploited, their freedom of movement is limited, and they have no free and voluntary choice of the labour activity.

Human trafficking, especially sexual exploitation of women, is widely spread around the world. The growing number of human trafficking victims is extremely alarming. The fast growth of this "business" is explained by its high profitability. It is the third most profitable activity, after drug trade and trade in arms.

The problem of human trafficking is urgent for Uzbekistan too. A roundtable discussion titled "Trafficking problems: legal and moral aspects" addressed this topic. The meeting was held on 28 June at the Institute for the Study of Civil Society. Among the participants of the discussion were the members of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbek parliament, the staff of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, leaders and members of the "female wings" of political parties and non-governmental organizations.

Roundtable participants discussed the prevention of human trafficking in Uzbekistan, increasing the accountability of people engaged in human trafficking business, as well as protection of the rights of its victims.

It was noted that the efforts are being put to counteract trafficking of women and children in Uzbekistan; draft law "On fight against human trafficking" has been prepared, and a complex of measures is being implemented aimed at preventing human trafficking and punishing the people engaged in it.

It was recommended that participation of NGOs in the prevention of trafficking of women and children, identification of specific incidents of exploitation of Uzbek women abroad, and provision of assistance to the victims of human trafficking is activated.