Human trafficking challenges and responses in Armenia in focus of OSCE Special Representative country visit

YEREVAN, 13 OCTOBER 2016 –OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (OSR/CTHB) Madina Jarbussynova, conducted in co-ordination and with the assistance of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, a four-day official visit to Armenia to discuss the country’s implementation of OSCE anti-trafficking commitments.

During her visit, she met with the inter-ministerial working group on combating Trafficking in Human Beings (THB), law enforcement officials, prosecutors, International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and civil society representatives. She also briefed the diplomatic community in Armenia on current human trafficking trends and her Office’s priorities.

“Over 60 percent of emigration from Armenia appears to be economically driven. Addressing the push factors and boosting awareness and pre-departure orientation, especially in rural areas, remains crucial to reduce the vulnerability of people in search of better employment opportunities”, Jarbussynova noted. “On the other hand, authorities should step-up efforts to detect and address any potential internal cases of exploitation, in order to protect groups at risk, children in particular, by enhancing the capacity and resources of labour inspectors and other relevant state agencies.” 

The Special Representative also met with relevant ministries, as well as the State Migration Service and visited the reception centre for migrants in Yerevan to discuss, among others, the arrival of over 20,000 displaced persons from Syria. “Armenia offered a remarkable variety of protection and assistance measures to a significant number of Syrian migrants, primarily of Armenian background” Jarbussynova said, “due to the large influx of displaced persons, it is important that authorities monitor and assess any risks to prevent exploitation and abuse of a potentially vulnerable group.” Institutions could also provide basic awareness training on human trafficking issues to refugees and asylum seekers.

The Special Representative, often in co-ordination with OSCE Field Operations, conducts goal-oriented, high-profile country visits to strengthen the capacity of OSCE participating States to address human trafficking in a comprehensive and effective manner, as well as to share knowledge and collect best practices in fighting this serious crime.