HUMAN TRAFFICKING: ARMENIA IS REPORTING MORE CASES

Panorama.am
17:12 05/09/2007

A regional conference on human trafficking took place today. "We are
trying to find effective ways against trafficking. Trafficking is not
only a problem of our republic or the region. It is a crime against
humanity," Armen Baiburdyan, deputy minister of foreign affairs, said.

In his words, this crime must be combated at two levels – national
and regional. "It is necessary to pursue coordinated actions and the
role of international organizations and donor states is very important
in this regard," he said.

According to data released by prosecutor’s office, the cases of
trafficking are increasing in number. In 2004, 14 cases were reported,
in 2006 – 32 and in the seven months of this year – 20.

Armenian women are mainly transported for sexual abuse to Dubai,
Turkey, Georgia and other countries. The prosecutor’s office has
developed 2007-2008 national program including comprehensive efforts
against trafficking.