Baku - Supported by IOM Azerbaijan with USAID funding Victim Assistance Center (VAC) of the Social Service Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population completed a series of awareness-raising sessions on “Ethical treatment of victims of trafficking: guide for healthcare workers”. The sensitization activities that started in August 2021, was successfully completed with the participation of 280 (254 women, 26 men) health workers in 12 districts of Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Shirvan, Balakan, Zagatala, Guba, Gusar, Khizi, Barda, Mingachevir, Lankaran, Shamkir district hospitals.

The sensitization sessions covered the topics such as the general concept of human trafficking, the main indicators of victim identification, victims’ general health problems, the confidentiality of data, and the protection of the interests of victims of trafficking. The event also touched upon the organization of the rehabilitation process of victims of trafficking and their reintegration into society.

Eldar Muradov, VAC legal advisor: “Human trafficking is not only a social problem but also a health issue. Medical personnel must be prepared to identify, treat and assist victims of trafficking. In this regard, the sensitization activities carried out by the center are important in raising awareness among health workers”.

Ulvi Zeynalov, VAC psychologist: “There should be no place for stigmas in the treatment of victims of human trafficking, and the confidentiality of their data should be provided. Therefore, it is important to educate health workers to prevent such negative events”.

Akbarova Narkhanim, a doctor at the Ismayilli District Central Hospital: “By being more aware of the human trafficking phenomenon, we as healthcare workers can help prevent revictimization of the victims. In my opinion, such events should be held in all institutions that work directly with victims." Mustafayev Khaladdin, a laboratory assistant at the Zagatala District Central Hospital, noted that during the training session they received new information and in general the session was efficient.

IOM Azerbaijan provides technical and financial support to the civil society organizations operating shelters assisting potential and actual victims of trafficking, labor force, and gender-based violence (GBV), and supports the enhancement of multi-stakeholder coordination and institutional cooperation on tackling forms of human trafficking, forced labor, and GBV within “Counter - Trafficking in Persons Activity” project funded by USAID.