«Armenian Caritas» benevolent NGO summarizes the results of «Migration and Trafficking Resource Center» project

«Armenian Caritas» benevolent NGO summarizes the results of «Migration and Trafficking Resource Center» project

Being a systematic and comprehensive crime, trafficking, requires similar fight against it.

Since 2003 “Armenian Caritas” benevolent NGO has implemented various programs aimed at human trafficking and illegal migration prevention. A round-table meeting was organized from May 16-17th at Kecharis hotel aimed at discussion of accomplishments and gaps of “Migration and Trafficking Resource Center” program.

Representatives of both local and international organizations acting in the field of human trafficking and migration were invited to take part in the discussion.

Tatevik Bedjanyan from «People in need» BNGO, Arzuman Harutyunyan from «Association of Audio Visual reporters» NGO, Maritsa Hovhannsyan from US embassy, Nazeli Asriyan from OSCE office in Yerevan, Ani Mnatsakanyan from “International Center for Human Development” analytical center, Amalya Grigoryan from “The United Nations Association” NGO, Armine Melkumyan from “Armenian Relief Society” and Heghine Babadjanyan from Migration Resource Center of Ararat have joined the staff of «Armenian Caritas».

Opening the discussion, project director Movses Hakobyan presented the project’s goals and achievements, as well as two issues for discussion: the results of the project and the research of the field, the results of the analysis of calls received through the “hotline”.

Presenting the results of the research carried out in the frames of the project, project expert Lilit Greyan said that 350 out of 502 respondents were willing to leave Armenia. Concerning the threats of illegal migration and human trafficking awareness, as the expert mentioned, the data results were quite encouraging, especially in 14-21 age group.

Speaking about calls received through “hot line”, “Migration and Trafficking Resource Center” project coordinator Gohar Yeranyan mentioned that calls were not actually related to trafficking but rather there were number of calls inquiring about the new Russian migration policy, particularly there was a sharp growth of calls on the new migration law entered into force from January 1, 2014, and deportations.

Notwithstanding with above mentioned reports the director of «Association of Audio Visual reporters» NGO Arzuman Harutyunyan mentioned that despite the obtained success, there was a need for closer co-operation in the field, one of which would be the combining of all the” hot lines ” into one, which would technically be more equipped and would act by ” 24 hours a day “principle, in response to which “Armenian Caritas” benevolent NGO’s «Migration and Trafficking Resource Center» project director Movses Hakobyan expressed his will to unit 8212 “hot line ” which works within the framework of the project with other ” hot lines “.

In addition, it was decided that there was a necessity to prepare video materials, where would appear people who have some knowledge on the latest technologies and skills acquired abroad, and who upon their return to Armenia would express readiness to share their achievements. Arzuman Harutyunyan also suggested that the NGO’s implement data exchange of the stakeholders according to pre-agreed format.

The round-table discussion was concluded with the observation that the support of the NGO’s in this field provided to the government is never too much. Though without government intervention, migration and trafficking issues can’t be fully resolved, however, NGO’s, combining their efforts, can greatly contribute to solution of number of problems.

Author: Journalist Gohar Eranyan
Photos by Arzuman Harutyunyan