TRAFFICKING: DARK COLORS OF ARMENIA
Lragir.am
08 June 06
The Unites States has published the Trafficking in Persons Report
2005. Like the annual report on drug trafficking, the TIP 2005
Armenia’s country narrative is in dark shades. The shades are even
too dark, even threateningly dark. Americans say Armenia is on Tier
2 Watch List of countries of trafficking; the second is better than
the third but worse than the first. However, if anti-trafficking
efforts do not improve, Armenia may possibly appear on the dangerous
Tier 3. On June 7 the Armenian news reporters had an opportunity to
enquire about the cause and consequences of this description from
almost the prime source.
John Miller, U.S. State Department Office to Monitor and Combat
Trafficking in Persons answered the questions of Armenian journalists
via telebridge between Yerevan and Washington at the U.S. Embassy.
Mr. Miller did not add details to the report. He only repeated
that Armenia is a source of trafficking, the government efforts to
combat trafficking and investigate government officials complicit
in trafficking are insufficient. John Miller cited the UN estimate
that over 2000 Armenian women are trafficked to United Arab Emirates
and Turkey for sexual exploitation. John Miller says the outcome of
anti-trafficking efforts is insufficient to have the public trust
the government.
The State Department official says there are also problems with
protection of trafficking victims. Mr. Miller says a delicate
attitude to the victims is required for them to cooperate with the
NGOs and law enforcement agencies in prosecuting persons engaged in
trafficking. According to John Miller, the confidence of the public is
very important in combating trafficking, whereas the U.S. official says
the government efforts are anemic. If the situation does not improve,
it is possible that Armenia will appear on the Tier 3 Watch List. On
appearing on Tier 3 the country is given three months, if the country
fails to improve the situation, it becomes even worse.
John Miller says if the country appears again in Tier 3 after these
three months, American assistance, , including military assistance is
cut or stopped. The American government stops assisting the country in
the World Bank and the IMF. According to him, the aim is not penalty
but joint effort for improvement.