Another session of Anti-trafficking working group took place

Another session of Anti-trafficking working group took place

On the 20th of October 2015 regular session of RA Working Group on Combatting Trafficking, with Vahram Kazhoyan as the head of the session took place. The session was also attended by Mr. Ted Massey, Armenia Desk Officer in Washington DC whose mission was to assess the overall work done by the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan and evaluate anti-trafficking campaigns’ effectiveness in Armenia.

Presenting his assessment in this sphere Massey noted: «So pleasant to observe success and progress of Armenian anti-trafficking activities from Washington. I have been working in different countries and can surely say that example of Armenia in combating human trafficking can be a role model not only in CIS region but also in whole world».

After T.Massey’s speech, Vahram Kazhoyan Head of the Working Group announced about some member changes. Thus representatives of Economics, Finance, Justice and Health Ministries’ are changed, as also National Assembly’s representatives. At the same time V.Kazhoyan notified that there is a possibility of enlarging of Working Group by representatives of Investigative Committee and RA National Security Council.

One of the main issues of session’s agenda was discussion and editing of 2016-2018 years National Program of Combatting Human Trafficking and exploitation.

Some text formulations related to public awareness rising have been discussed, also ways of spreading information materials about human trafficking and exploitation provision on border crossing points and medical and educational service provider’s points were discussed.

Adaptations were made in National Program over the strategy of public awareness among youth of Diaspora through Diplomatic and Diaspora representatives and Armenian Apostolic Church.

The National Program’s 2.1.6 paragraph about «Insert www.antitrafficking.am web-site’s link on anti-trafficking activities involved Ministries’ web-sites» was discussed and was decided to transfer its activities from aims to actions whereupon present it on a Council for affirmation.

One more discussion was dilated around public awareness about human trafficking and exploitation in travel agencies, transportation services providing organizations. It was discussed that this part also has need to be changed and there is a need to provide information to the above-mentioned  workers to minimize human trafficking risks.

During session also one more important point of the anti-trafficking activities extension was covered  – announcement of annual journalistic award, which is included in the framework of Anti-trafficking National Program.

After all discussions and editing (every department will do its notes after the session) the National Program will be ready with its final structure and would be sent to National Council for confirmation.

Photos of session are available by following link: Anti-trafficking Working Group Session