ARMENIA HAS NO NECESSARY MECHANISMS FOR MONITORING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ARKA
Feb 12, 2010

YEREVAN, February 12. /ARKA/. Armenia has no necessary mechanisms
and criteria for monitoring and estimating human trafficking, Nver
Sargsyan, the head of International Labor Organization’s programs in
Armenia, said on Friday.

"The national program for combating human trafficking is in force in
Armenia, and the government is improving this program now," he said.

New mechanisms will be added to this program.

The expert also pointed out some problems with wording of the provision
on forced labor, prohibited by the Constitution.

He also said that effective help to human trafficking victims is
needed as well.

Sargsyan said that in 2008 Armenia adopted rules for helping
trafficking victims, but there are some faults here.

He thinks the government should earmark funds from the state budget
for this purpose.

According to International Labor Organization, at least 12.3 million
people around the world are trapped in forced labour.

"Opportunity cost" of coercion to the workers affected reaches USD
21 billion per year.

Anti-trafficking program fully financed by European Commission and
implemented by International Labor Organization was launched in
Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan in 2007.

In 2009, the second stage of the program began.

The first stage, which was completed in December 20089, costs ~@1.875
million, and the second stage ~@2.379 million.

The program implies cooperation with governments, employers, social
partners and trade unions.

Under this program, assessment and monitoring of awareness programs
in police’s educational centres have been held.

Exchange of experience with Macedonia and Serbia were organized
as well.

Armenian Police Department says 20 people are wanted on change of
human trafficking.

In 2009, 10 people were tied and convicted of human trafficking in
Armenia.