The necessity of raising awareness among civil society in combating human trafficking and also the importance of its support and involvement is well-known  among  human trafficking theoreticians.  In practice, however, it is never done enough in this area of anti-trafficking struggle. 

In Astana, Kazakhstan, there are several events that have been recently organized in an attempt to help shelters for human trafficking. Some of these events were supported by the IOM Astana.

On November 18, 2011 in the Museum of Fine Art Astana a charity concert of Russian bard music “Hundred Roads by Serik & Kana”   was organized by Olga Sosnina,  the IOM NGO coordinator and Marinka Franulovic , a trafficking expert. All proceeds from this concert were to purchase a kitchen for the newly open shelter in Petropavlovsk.

Over the last two years, the shelters of northern Kazakhstan have been supported by series of donations of second hand clothes, beddings, towels all thanks to donations from the Nazarbayev University Astana.  Another donation of the second hand bed covers, towels, chandeliers etc. was  provided by Rixos Astana.

Currently, the students of Nazarbayev University are organizing an anti-trafficking awareness event called “Walk a Mile Against a Wile”  to show that they actively stand against slavery today. The IOM provides informational anti-trafficking materials.

We hope that this well appreciated charity work will continue in the future for the benefits of those in need.