Situation on Human Trafficking Unchanged

The International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Trafficking is celebrated August 23 every year.  In Azerbaijan, this day has been marked since 2010.

According to Mehriban Zeynalova, the chairman of the NGO "Temiz Dunya", through this structure, 49 victims of trafficking have received assistance. "They are old and new victims; 42 of them got a job, and received psychological and legal assistance.  Among them, two men were subjected to forced exploitation. In 2011, 34 victims of trafficking were given shelter. Our structure is engaged in victim’s reintegration into society," said Mehriban Zeynalova.

According to her, there were eight trials for victims of trafficking. Decisions for moral damage compensation for five victims were made. 

In 2012, the Office to Combat People Trafficking in the Interior Ministry, 34 victims were revealed including 28 women.  The shelter in the Interior Ministry assists victims. Each victim is given a “one time” compensation of 200 manat. However, this month, in accordance with the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, the one-time assistance increased to 400 manat.

Turkey is first in the export of trafficking victims with Dubai second, Russia third, and Iran fourth. Due to economic reasons, people become victims of trafficking.  According to Zeynalova, people just want to make money, not knowing the proposed work is sexual exploitation.

A number of international human rights organizations believe that in Azerbaijan, state officials and law enforcement agencies are involved in the criminal business of human trafficking. For this reason, this type of crime continues to flourish. Thus, in the U.S. State Department’s report, until government officials are brought to justice, human trafficking will continue.

Local human rights organizations reputedly accused the Interior Ministry for protecting prostitution and brothels, using prostitutes as police agents and live baits for blackmailing clients. -05В-