4.9 Centre in Ashgabat Trafficking in Human Beings & Migration-related Crime Border Security and Management / Customs On 27 February, the Centre participated in the “Meeting of the Technical Working Group on Combating Human Trafficking in Turkmenistan”. Representatives of the Supreme Court, MIA, GPO, SMS, MoJ, Mejlis, OI, international organizations and diplomatic corps attended the event. The main purpose was to co-ordinate international assistance programmes on CTHB with participants exchanging reports and information on activities implemented in 2018 and plans for 2019. From 1 to 5 July, the Centre hosted a practical training course on profiling and risk assessment for law enforcement and border control officers at aviation checkpoints. In total, 25 operational-level officers from the MoNS, MIA, State Border Service (SBS), State Customs Service (SCS), SMS, and Aviation Security Service of Turkmenistan Airlines participated in the course. Led by a team of Kazakhstan experts, the course focused on psychological and behavioural analysis techniques and risk indicators, and included theoretical and practical classes on topics such as speech analysis, face control, physiological markers of stress, as well as operational psycho-diagnostics and factors complicating or affecting profiling. In addition, the course addressed profiling history, relevant risk analysis and management as well as how to develop a risk profile and survey methodologies. On 8 and 9 April, the Centre facilitated the participation of two representatives from the SMS and MIA in the 19th Alliance against Trafficking in Persons conference entitled “Using Technology to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings: Turning a Liability into an Asset” in Vienna. During the event, participants increased their understanding on the misuse of technology in facilitating trafficking and how technology can be developed, harmonized and deployed to help combat all forms of trafficking. On 17 and 18 April, in co-operation with the MFA, MoFE, TNTD, OCEEA and FOs in Central Asia, the Centre organised the 2019 OSCE “High-Level Regional Conference on Countering Terrorist Financing and Organized Crime” in Ashgabat. The event brought together over 200 senior representatives and experts from the government ministries, FIUs, judicial authorities, banking and communications sectors, participating States, Partners for Co-operation (specifically from Mongolia, Afghanistan), Secretariat and international organizations. The aim of the meeting was to foster greater regional co-operation among Central Asian States in addressing this serious challenge to security and to explore potential links with organized crime. During the conference, participants further acquainted themselves with the existing challenges and best practice through discussions on countering terrorist financing and misuse of new internet technologies by organized crime. On 23 July, in co-operation with the OSR/CTHB, the Centre organized a roundtable discussion in Ashgabat on developing effective methods of assisting victims of human trafficking. Facilitated by two senior staff members from the OSR/ CTHB, the discussions focused on the OSCE’s approach and principles in relation to combating the THB and practices in assisting victims, and included a report from a representative of the GPO on Turkmenistan’s activities in the prevention and combating of THB. In total, 31 representatives from the relevant government ministries, Mejlis, GPO, SMS, Supreme Court, OI, Institute of State, Law and Democracy, Bar Association, as well as women and youth unions participated in the event. 108 From 19 to 30 August, the Centre organized a two-week training course in Ashgabat on the interpretation of x-ray images for 20 customs and transport police officers working at aviation checkpoints. The course focused on providing a comprehensive overview of aviation security procedures and x-ray image interpretation techniques. The course addressed checkpoint operator selection, radiation safety, recognition of explosive devices, firearms, exotic and improvised weapons as well as prohibited items, such as liquids and powders. During the course, participants discussed the process of hold baggage screening, alternative technology and search methodologies that can be used to complement the x-ray screening process. Delivered by a UK expert, the course included an instructor training component, which covered course and lesson planning, teaching theory and methodologies, presentation skills and examinations design, highlighting the importance of computer-based training for potential instructors. On 4 and 5 September, in co-operation with TNTD and IOM Office in Turkmenistan, the Centre co-organized a “National Workshop on Establishing an API System in Turkmenistan”. The main aim was to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the features, functions, and benefits of an API System, and practical insights into introducing a passenger data exchange system. In total, 20 representatives from the state agencies responsible for passenger processing and aviation/border security (including police and intelligence service, SBS, SCS, SMS, airport security, Mejlis, and MoJ, together with representatives of US Customs and Borders Protection, IATA, UK Border Force, Kyrgyzstan and Slovenia) participated in the event. During the workshop, participants agreed that an OSCE API/PNR expert will share a list of steps that are recommended during the process of establishing a API/PNR system, continue