In a bold move on Monday, United Nations (UN) independent experts have issued a stern call to Russia, urging immediate action to halt the disturbing practices of trafficking and forced labor, particularly targeting migrant women from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in Moscow's Golyanovo district. The experts highlighted reports of "credible and well-documented" instances of abuse and exploitation, stressing the urgent need for Russia to respond decisively.

The Special Rapporteurs are pushing for a comprehensive investigation into these abuses, advocating for cooperation between Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to ensure justice and proper compensation for the victims. They criticized the systemic failures within the Russian legislative and administrative framework, which they believe have fostered a culture of impunity, allowing such heinous activities to persist unchecked.

The European Court of Human Rights recently underscored the severity of the situation in the case of *F.M. and Others v Russia*, where it ruled unanimously that Russia had failed to fulfill its obligations to combat human trafficking and protect its victims. This landmark case involved five women, trafficked to Moscow between 2002 and 2016, who endured extreme labor conditions and egregious human rights violations.

Reports indicate that numerous women were deceived into traveling to Russia under the guise of legitimate employment opportunities. Upon arrival, their documents were confiscated, effectively trapping them. These women were then subjected to brutal conditions, forced to work up to 20 hours a day without pay, and faced physical and sexual violence.

The experts expressed dismay over the Russian authorities’ lack of effective investigations and their habitual dismissal of cases, erroneously concluding that the victims had consented despite clear evidence of coercion and abuse. The scale and nature of these abuses suggest a deeply ingrained system of exploitation that has been ignored for far too long, despite repeated complaints from victims and advocacy groups.

In their conclusion, the court found that Russia had violated Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which bans slavery and forced labor, as well as Article 14, which prohibits discrimination. This ruling is a critical acknowledgment of the disproportionate impact of human trafficking on women and migrant workers.

The UN experts emphasized that victims of human trafficking should never be penalized for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of their exploitation. They are calling for systemic changes in Russia to prevent further trafficking and to protect and support those who have already suffered from such grave injustices. This situation not only demands immediate attention but also a sustained commitment to human rights and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their national origin.