Strengthening the Legal Framework on Trafficking in Persons in Turkmenistan to Better Address the Needs of Youth and Women, Through a Survivor-Centred Approach In Turkmenistan, addressing the pressing concerns of combating trafficking in persons (TiP) and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly youth and women, is of paramount importance. The primary objective of this project is to effectively tackle these challenges by fortifying the country's counter-trafficking legal framework and enhancing the response to the needs and vulnerabilities of individuals at risk of trafficking or who have fallen victim to it. Turkmenistan, like numerous other nations, confronts internal socio-economic pressures, which have been exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the national economy. Consequently, young people and women, constituting a significant portion of the population, are increasingly susceptible to social exclusion. Their options are limited due to scarce employment opportunities and restricted access to higher education, thereby pushing some towards external migration as their only viable recourse. Regrettably, this situation has rendered them easy prey for human trafficking, often facilitated by international smugglers who exploit their desperation.Although official national statistics on the number of Turkmen citizens who have experienced trafficking are absent, compelling anecdotal evidence and data collected by organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicate a significant problem. Survivors from Turkmenistan, notably women and young people, have endured forced labor and sexual exploitation in various countries, including Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Romania. The Government of Turkmenistan has taken significant steps to combat human trafficking by enacting the Law on Combatting Human Trafficking and formulating National Action Plans. Nonetheless, key government officials and civil society stakeholders increasingly recognize the necessity for a more focused and comprehensive approach to address the specific needs of youth and women impacted by trafficking. Consequently, there is a need to revisit and strengthen the national counter-trafficking in persons (CTIP) legal framework while formulating a new CTIP National Action Plan that encompasses survivor-centered approaches and prioritizes the empowerment of women and youth.In alignment with the country's commitment to women and youth empowerment, as outlined in the National Youth Strategy for 2021-2025, the National Action Plan for Gender Equality for 2021-2025, and the recently adopted Law on Social Services, this project endeavors to play a pivotal role in instigating change. It will facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the existing CTIP and related legal framework, with a specific focus on identifying gaps concerning women and youth. Through extensive consultations with civil society organizations, including those led by youth and women, recommendations for improvement will be developed, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of those directly affected are duly considered. Furthermore, the project will actively engage relevant government officials and civil society stakeholders through sensitization workshops. These workshops will enhance their understanding of TiP, with a particular emphasis on the vulnerabilities faced by women and youth.Through these concerted efforts, the project aims to achieve its overarching objective of bolstering Turkmenistan's counter-trafficking legal framework and enhancing the response to the distinctive needs and vulnerabilities of youth and women affected by trafficking. By adopting survivor-centered approaches and placing significant emphasis on the empowerment of women and youth, the project seeks to ensure that no individual is left behind in the fight against trafficking. It represents a pivotal stride towards fostering a more inclusive and protective society, wherein the rights and well-being of all individuals are upheld, and the cycle of exploitation is decisively broken.