Sex trafficking in Kazakhstan

Sex trafficking in Kazakhstan is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and slavery that occurs in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan citizens, primarily women and girls,^[1] have been sex trafficked within the country and to other countries in Asia^[1] and different continents.^[2] Foreign victims are sex trafficked into the country.^[2] Children, persons in poverty, and migrants are particularly vulnerable to sex trafficking. Victims are deceived,^[2] threatened, or forced into prostitution or forced marriages.^[3] Their passports^[2] and other documents are often taken. They suffer from physical and psychological abuse and trauma and are typically guarded and or locked up in poor conditions. A number contract sexually transmitted diseases from rapes. Many victims are afraid to report their experiences to the police because of fears of being stigmatized and rejected by their communities.^[2]

The government of Kazakhstan has been criticized for its inadequate anti-sex trafficking efforts and corruption. Police and officials have been accused of being complicit in sex trafficking crimes in the country.^[4]