Joint study on trafficking in human beings published in Armenia

YEREVAN, 14 November 2001 - The OSCE Office in Yerevan today presented to the public findings of the first research study on the trafficking in human beings in Armenia.

The report had as main objective to establish the facts on the nature and occurrence of trafficking in Armenia, to serve as a basis for policy, legislative and structural reforms to tackle the issue. Given the regional and international context of the problem, it was also considered important to attract public attention to the issue. In the course of the meeting the report's main findings, shortcomings in the existing legislation, and recommendations for follow-up activities were discussed.

Trafficking in human beings has been a major focus of OSCE's Yerevan Office since June 2000, following up to the Vienna Conference on trafficking. The Office assembled an information pack on the subject of anti-trafficking, including policy and legislative documents. This was translated into Armenian and disseminated within relevant government departments and agencies, local authorities and Parliament to assist and start their activities in this field.

One of the first results of this was the appointment of a trafficking focal point within the Ministry of Interior. Civil society and media events were organized to increase the awareness on the issue, to educate and to train potential activists which are able to prevent and fight this phenomenon, and to support the authorities as well as to provide advice and aid.

The survey which is the basis of the report, was carried out jointly by the OSCE, the International Organization for Migration, and UNICEF. It was financed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The round table, during which the report was presented, was attended by senior officials from the country's Ministries, the President's Office and the National Assembly, as well as a number of non-governmental organizations who contributed to the study.

Copies of the report can be obtained from the OSCE Office in Yerevan in English and Armenian.