Baku - IOM started the assessments and preparatory meetings with the TAMAS Regional Development Public Union to contribute toward strengthen and support interventions to VoTs and individuals vulnerable to trafficking and their families. Additionally, project interventions will strengthen communication and coordination between individuals vulnerable to trafficking and civil society organizations, relevant state agencies and private sector on practical aspects related to the provision of small grants to support income generating activities to victims of trafficking and individuals at risk of trafficking.

IOM representatives visited the shelter under TAMAS PU to assess the shelter conditions and provide recommendations to ensure living conditions in the shelter are brought to minimum international standards. The assessment was followed up with a meeting with the TAMAS PU staff whereby the selection criteria of the individual grants to support income generating activities was discussed as well as the basic skills training for the selected beneficiaries to be facilitated by the expert from the Ganja region.

These activities will be implemented within the project Addressing the needs of victims of trafficking in Azerbaijan through provision of direct assistance and shelter facilities upgrade, funded by the Kingdom of Netherlands.