Baku - This year, IOM Azerbaijan along with other UN agencies, and partners, including government, civil society organizations, the private sector, international partners, a group of youth changemakers, human and women’s rights defenders, media partners, women's rights activists, and academia joins efforts and show solidarity towards the global movement to address all forms of violence against women and girls in Azerbaijan within the UNFPA's 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence Against Women and Girls.

On 29 November 2022, the Chief of Mission for IOM in Azerbaijan, Vladimir Gjorgjiev, participated in the debate Forum against Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination held at Mingachevir State University. In his speech, Gjorgjiev underlined the importance of cooperation among partner organizations to improve the effectiveness of combating gender-based violence by raising public awareness within such campaigns.

In his speech, the Chief of Mission called for the protection and prevention for women and girls from all forms of violence.

“Protection is key to the victim-centered approach that the community should take in its efforts to combat gender-based violence. Effective victim protection entails identifying victims, providing referrals for a comprehensive array of services, and supporting these individuals as they rebuild their lives. Prevention efforts are an equally important component of the efforts to combat gender-based violence. With the dissemination of accurate and targeted information, raising awareness on violence against women and girls, communities will be better prepared to respond to the threat of such violence,” said Gjorgjiev.

It should be mentioned that along with its contributions to the 16 Days of Activism campaign, IOM Azerbaijan within USAID-funded project 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 provide housing and services supporting the dignity of survivors and offering them the opportunity to lead a normal life.