Baku - On September 17 2019, an arrangement for the project “Addressing the Needs of Victims of Trafficking in Azerbaijan Through Provision of Direct Assistance and Shelter Facilities Upgrade" was signed between the UN Agency, International Organization for Migration (IOM) represented by Mr. Gjorgjiev Vladimir, the Chief of Mission, and the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation represented by Mr. Onno Kerves, the Ambassador of the Netherlands in the Azerbaijan Republic.

The short-term project will enhance the shelter capacity of the TAMAS Regional Development Public Union (PU) and will directly contribute towards strengthened care and support interventions to victims of trafficking (VoTs) and individuals vulnerable to trafficking as well as their families. Additionally, project interventions will promote continuation of dialogue, and strengthen coordination and communication between individuals vulnerable to trafficking and the civil society organizations, relevant state agencies and private sector on practical aspects related to the provision of grants to VoTs and individuals at risk of trafficking. Cooperation on this matter will be fostered through the organization of a basic skills training for the victims of trafficking, after which grants will be assigned to 20 participants to cover the purchase of equipment and start-up raw materials to support their individually tailored business plans, and ultimately their reintegration into society.

In general, the project seeks to assist the Government of Azerbaijan and the civil society in combating trafficking in human beings by improving the protection of VoTs and individuals vulnerable to trafficking through the provision of direct assistance and VoTs shelter upgrade