OSCE, UNHCR exchange good practices with Azerbaijani officials and legal professionals on countering human trafficking

The OSCE Office in Baku and UNHCR held two workshops from 25 to 28 February 2013 on combating human trafficking and forced labour in Azerbaijan.

The training is part of the international community’s support to Azerbaijan’s efforts to improve compliance with OSCE commitments and other international norms and standards related to countering human trafficking.

“The workshops provided an in-depth overview on how to identify and protect victims of human trafficking and forced labour, including among irregular migrants, asylum seekers and undocumented persons, while also fostering co-operation among relevant stakeholders,” said Monica Martinez, Deputy Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

Judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and representatives from the Interior Ministry, State Labour Inspection Service, State Migration Service and civil society participated at the workshops.

National and international experts shared their knowledge and experience on the role of legal professionals, immigration officials, labour inspectors and civil society organizations in the identification and protection of potential and actual trafficked victims, including asylum seekers, stateless and undocumented persons. They also discussed Azerbaijan’s legislative framework, as well as the linkages between irregular migration, asylum seekers and human trafficking networks.