Baku - The second training for First Responders on Identification of Victims of Trafficking is taking place between the 21st and 23rd of February 2022 in Baku and is carried out by the IOM Azerbaijan under the project “Counter-Trafficking in Persons Activity” Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The 3 days training covers the subjects on detection, identification, and referral of victims of trafficking in persons forced labor, and assistance to people at risk of trafficking and exploitation, as well as potential victims of trafficking. During the training, frontline workers from police divisions in Baku districts, representatives of State Committee for Family, Women and children affairs, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, and NGO’s working in social service with the roles and mandates that put them in a position to interact with or detect potential victims are provided training from CT Main Department, Ministries, and the local NGOs’ staff.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Vladimir Gjorgiev, Chief of IOM Azerbaijan, noted that even despite the pandemic, human trafficking still is a serious problem worldwide. He appreciated the efforts of the Azerbaijani government and local NGOs in this area and stressed the importance of cooperation between states and institutions to address the serious problems posed by human trafficking. “I am glad that these training will be carried out by local trainers who were taught the best practices and methodologies by foreign experts," said Gjorgjiev.

During the training participants, relevant officials from state bodies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and representatives of NGOs active in the field will have the opportunity to discuss and exchange experiences, approaches, and their knowledge on Trafficking and Anti-Trafficking Basic Concepts, Consequences of Trafficking on Health of Victims, Ethics in Communication/Interviewing presumed victims, Standard Activity Procedures in the Republic of Azerbaijan, National Legislation in Azerbaijan on Trafficking in Persons, National Referral Mechanism Models, and the Azerbaijan National Action Plan Against Trafficking in Human Beings.

It should be mentioned that the first training for First Responders on Identification of Victims of Trafficking took place between the 27th and 29th of October in Ganja and is carried out by the IOM Azerbaijan under the project “Counter-Trafficking in Persons Activity” Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

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 and financial support to civil society organizations operating shelters that assist potential and actual victims of trafficking and forced labor.