Request for Application (RFA) No: 24 – 01 – KZ 

 The Safe Migration in Central Asia (SMICA) is a seven-year project implemented by Winrock International in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The overarching goal of SMICA is to strengthen the mutual accountability of all stakeholders, including governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to become more self-reliant in efforts to prevent trafficking in persons, protect survivors of human trafficking, and promote safe migration. With support for governmental, nongovernmental, and business stakeholders, the project addresses both push and pull factors for TIP and protection for vulnerable migrants, recognizing that these factors and the political and economic climate of each country are unique. 

The Safe Migration in Central Asia (SMICA) Activity, led by Winrock International, uses evidence-based practices and cross-border connections to strengthen the mutual accountability and effectiveness of governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to prevent trafficking in persons (TIP), protect survivors, and promote safe migration, as part of USAID’s Asia-wide suite of counter-trafficking interventions. Since 2019, SMICA has reached over 31,000 individuals with training and education on safe and responsible migration, building the 

capacity of more than 2,887 service providers and duty bearers, and providing direct support to over 13,000 migrants and potential migrants, including 844 TIP survivors. 

On July 5, 2024, the President of Kazakhstan adopted the TIP Law, following its approval by the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan in June. The Law introduces new concepts aligned with the definitions and concepts of the Palermo Protocol, such as “potential victim of human trafficking,” “vulnerable situation,” and “subjects of combating human trafficking,” and mandates measures to safeguard the rights of TIP survivors and provide assistance, regardless of their consent to participation in legal proceedings. The enactment of the TIP Law signifies a robust commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of TIP victims in Kazakhstan. This legislation requires various stakeholders to respond to TIP and aligns Kazakhstan with international standards. 

SMICA works with local and international organizations, governments, and civil society to connect country approaches with regional strategies strengthening bilateral and multi-country efforts to promote rights-based migration and counter TIP; reduce the vulnerability of at-risk populations to all forms of trafficking-in-persons; and expand and improve identification and assistance to trafficked persons. The three main objectives of SMICA include: 

1. Strengthened bilateral and multi-country actions to promote rights-based migration and counter trafficking in persons 
2. Reduced vulnerability of at-risk populations to all forms of trafficking-in-persons 
3. Expanded and improved identification and assistance to trafficked persons 

SMICA’s approach to combating TIP is through empowering survivors, working with local groups, community leaders, and governments to improve data and policies, influencing social norms that increase trafficking risks, and establishing systems and services that protect at-risk groups. The project also focuses on cross-cutting themes that ensure sustainability through collaborative implementation with government, civil society, and the private sector and their ownership of activities, focus on promoting gender equality and engaging youth. 

SMICA implements innovative approaches for addressing migration and TIP through private sector engagement working with critical sectors such as travel and transportation, but also engaging with employment agencies and others who can promote successful practices to combat TIP. This unique type of programming promotes sustainability and enhances safe migration channels. 

Winrock International has 25 years of global experience implementing counter-trafficking-in-persons, child labor, women’s empowerment, and civic engagement programs. Since 1992, Winrock’s programs in Central Asia promoted agricultural development, improved natural resource management, and addressed issues of gender-based violence and human trafficking. Winrock’s approach to CTIP empowers survivors; works with local groups, community leaders, governments, and the private sector to improve data and policies, combat social norms that increase trafficking risks, and establish systems and services that protect at-risk groups and assist survivors.