Baku - On 5 December 2022, IOM Azerbaijan within its USAID-funded project “Counter-trafficking in persons activity” held a meeting with representatives of the Government agencies, the US Embassy, USAID and NGO Coalition. The meeting aimed at sharing the experience gained in the study visit to the USA.
 
The meeting started with the opening session where the participants were welcomed by Mr Vladimir Gjorgjiev, Chief of Mission for IOM Azerbaijan, Ms. Dhulce-Janice (DJ) McGuire from USAID Azerbaijan, and Mr Samir Garayev from the Main Department on Combating Human Trafficking.
 
Mr Vladimir Gjorgjiev detailing the efforts to combat the crime of human trafficking in Azerbaijan highlighted the importance of study tours for state authorities and local NGOs.
 
During the meeting, the visit was very positively evaluated by the representatives of NGOs and State organizations who had the opportunity to analyze the important aspects of identification and referral of victims of trafficking in the USA during the study visit. The participants shared their experiences and presented key findings, discussed the best practices, collaboration, and joint anti-trafficking activities of law enforcement agencies and civil society in the USA, the application of the victim-centered approach, and strengthening the national referral mechanism for victims’ assistance in Azerbaijan.
 
At the end of the meeting, the participants came to an agreement to prepare proposals for an action plan based on the experience gained during the study visit.
 
USAID’s Countering Trafficking in Persons Activity, implemented by IOM, assists the Government of Azerbaijan and NGOs to further improve Azerbaijan's effectiveness in preventing and combating trafficking in persons and forced labor as well as addressing gender-based violence. This includes technical support to civil society organizations operating shelters that assist potential and actual victims of trafficking, gender-based violence, and forced labor.