11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Observers believe that trafficking remained widespread problem; in January police uncovered mass grave in Nizhniy Tagil where local traffickers allegedly killed persons who refused to work as prostitutes ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22696]

"The law prohibits trafficking in persons; however, internal and external trafficking continued to be a substantial problem. The scope of trafficking was difficult to quantify with reliable estimates, but observers believe it remained widespread. The country continued to be a source, destination, and place of transit for human trafficking; however, because of rapid economic growth, there has allegedly been a decrease in the number of citizens trafficked abroad. (…)

In January police uncovered a mass grave in Nizhniy Tagil where local traffickers allegedly killed persons who refused to work as prostitutes; no information was available on the police investigation. There were continued allegations that corrupt government officials facilitated trafficking. It was widely alleged that corrupt elements in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other law enforcement bodies facilitated and, in some cases, controlled trafficking. (…)"

Document(s): Open document

12.06.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes; internal trafficking remains a problem ("Trafficking in Persons Report 2007") [ID 20710]

"Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes. Russia is a source country for men and women trafficked to Germany, Turkey, Portugal, the People's Republic of China, Japan, and South Korea for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor, including agricultural and maritime work. Russian women continue to be trafficked to Western Europe, the United States, Canada, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East for sexual exploitation. Moscow and St. Petersburg are destination centers for children trafficked internally within Russia and from Ukraine and Moldova for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced begging. Child sex tourism in Western Russia remains a problem. Moscow continues to be a significant destination for men and women trafficked within Russia and from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor, including work in the construction industry. Moscow is also a transit point for women trafficked from Uzbekistan and Armenia to the United Arab Emirates for purposes of sexual exploitation."

Document(s): Country Narratives: Q through Z
Full Report

06.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Russia has is making significant efforts to comply with standards for elimination of trafficking, but much more remains to be done to protect and shelter victims and increase investigations and prosecutions ("Trafficking in Persons Report 2006") [ID 18319]

"The Government of Russia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so. (...)  Although Russia implemented a witness protection program that affords a mechanism to shelter and protect trafficking victims, significantly increased investigations and prosecutions, and improved local government cooperation with NGOs, much more remains to be done. Passage and implementation of comprehensive legislation on victim assistance, which has been anticipated for three years, would greatly improve the status of trafficking victims and would provide much-needed funding for shelters and victim assistance. Today, victim protection and assistance is provided on an ad-hoc basis and is highly dependent upon local and regional authorities. Moreover, the support provided by these local governments is not formalized and dependent upon relationships between NGOs and local government officials. Passage of the proposed legislation would guarantee that victims across Russia receive necessary assistance and would serve to alleviate some of the financial burden currently placed on local authorities. Local governments should work with NGOs to facilitate the establishment of more trafficking shelters in Russia."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Trafficking in Persons ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46144],  [ID 11607]

For further information please refer to the original document

"The law prohibits trafficking in persons; however, trafficking continued to be a problem. Allegations continued that corrupt government officials facilitated trafficking, although it remained difficult to ascertain the scope of such corruption. The government at all levels remained committed to combat trafficking and prosecutions have increased since the State Duma amended the criminal code in 2003 to specifically outlaw human trafficking and the use of forced labor."

Document(s): Open document

03.06.2005 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Protection of trafficking victims: So far no official state programs, but new law to come ("Honouring of obligations and commitments by the Russian Federation [Doc. 10568]") [#32710],  [ID 11936]

"242. At the end of 2003, a draft law "On the Status of Trafficking Victims" was pending before the Duma. This draft law would provide for a system of measures to protect trafficking victims, including the establishment of shelters and support centres. It would also mandate cooperation between government agencies and anti-trafficking NGOs, and define procedures for the social rehabilitation of trafficking victims.

243. The Government did not sponsor so far any official victim protection and assistance programs. However, a broader victim and witness protection law that creates a variety of protection measures was adopted in July 2004 and came into effect on 1 January 2005. The Law on the State Protection of Victims, Witnesses, and Other Participants in Criminal Proceedings applies to all crime cases in which a person's life or physical safety is in danger and would aid law enforcement's efforts to investigate and prosecute cases. According to Article 28 of the Law, to organise state protection the Government is to approve a State programme for ensuring security of victims, witnesses and other participants in criminal proceedings.

244. The Council of Europe European Convention on action against trafficking in human beings is presently being drawn up by the Ad hoc Committee on action against trafficking in human beings. This instrument is expected to be a practical tool of international co-operation, which will be geared towards the protection of victims' rights and the respect for human rights. It will aim at a proper balance between matters concerning human rights and prosecution. This Convention is not yet finalised but we hope that the Russian authorities will be able to draw on the discussions to finalise the draft laws presently pending in the Duma."

Document(s): Open document

03.06.2005 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Amendments to the Criminal Code against human trafficking, the use of forced labour, recruitment into prostitution and the distribution of child pornography ("Honouring of obligations and commitments by the Russian Federation [Doc. 10568]") [#32710],  [ID 11937]

"241. In December 2003, amendments to the Criminal Code criminalizing human trafficking and the use of forced labour and expanding criminal liability for recruitment into prostitution, organisation of a prostitution business and the distribution of child pornography were enacted. Pursuant to these articles, if certain aggravating factors are established, trafficking and use of slave labour are each punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison, recruitment into prostitution is punishable by a maximum of 8 years, organisation of a prostitution business is punishable by a maximum of 10 years, and the manufacture and distribution of child pornography is punishable by a maximum of 8 years. The amendments to the Criminal Code were the culmination of a year-long effort by legislators, antitrafficking activists, and government and law enforcement officials to enact effective anti-trafficking legislation, which we welcome."

Document(s): Open document

13.06.2003 - Source: International Relations and Security Network

Regional report (human trafficking, corruption, state Duma elections) ("Russian Regional Report (Vol. 8, No. 9, 13 June 2003)") [#15914],  [ID 11946]

Detailed information on human trafficking in Siberia

Document(s): Open document