Blue Heart campaign 2023. Press release

Blue Heart campaign 2023. Press release

The Blue Heart Campaign raises awareness around the globe of human trafficking and its impact on people and society.

The Blue Heart Campaign encourages involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sector and individuals alike to inspire action and help prevent human trafficking.

In 2014, the Republic of Armenia also joined the Campaign.
This year’s motto of the “Blue Heart” campaign is “Support every victim of trafficking, without exception.”
In Armenia, a person can be recognized as a victim of trafficking or exploitation or a victim of a particular category only by the Commission for the Identification of Victims of Human Trafficking and Exploitation, which is guided by the identification indicators that regulate the process.
“Association of Audio-Visual Reporters” within the framework of the “Together Against Trafficking in Persons” program has developed a self-identification test-questionnaire, with the help of which any person can find out for himself whether he is being trafficked or exploited or not. The test is available on the website www.antitrafficking.am and on the “Information Platform for Combating Trafficking in Armenia” Facebook page.
The legislation on trafficking in RA is mainly victim-centred. A comprehensive support package is available for victims of trafficking. The process is coordinated by the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
After a person is identified as a victim of trafficking or a victim of a special category, he can benefit from the support provided by the state, which includes the provision of accommodation, in-kind assistance, provision or restoration of necessary documents, medical assistance and maintenance, psychological assistance, counselling assistance, legal aid, provision of translation services, provision of compulsory education defined by law, provision of access to secondary education or initial professional (artisan) education, provision of employment, organization of safe return, one-time monetary compensation.

“Together Against Trafficking in Persons (TATiP)” has been launched in Armenia since 2021, the aim of which is to make the detection, referral, identification and support of persons subjected to human trafficking or exploitation more effective, to contribute to the legislation regulating the sector. to harmonization and improvement, introduction and strengthening of new institutional mechanisms, as well as to develop and improve the professional abilities of the employees of the competent state bodies who have primary contact and are in direct contact with the population, including the most vulnerable groups. The program is implemented by “World Vision” Armenia charity organization, ” Association of Audio-Visual Reporters” NGO and “Sexual Violence Crisis Center” NGO. The program is funded by the US State Department.