Baku: The protection of human trafficking victims and the targeted implementation of legal, socio-economic measures in this area remained a priority, as reflected in the Annual Report of the National Coordinator for Combating Human Trafficking (2024). This report was discussed today at the joint meeting of the Human Rights, Legal Policy and State Building Committees of the Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan), APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, each of the 80 victims, which is 10 fewer than in 2023, received a one-time allowance of 700 AZN. Additionally, 56 victims, 12 fewer than in the previous year, were placed in a special shelter under the Ministry of Internal Affairs for temporary accommodation and provided with medical, social, psychological, legal, and other assistance.
Furthermore, 18 victims were enrolled in vocational training courses, nine were provided with employment, one foreign victim was assisted in repatriation, and nine victims received assistance in obtaining identity documents. Eleven victims were supported in applying for targeted social assistance, two child victims were enrolled in an Integration Training Boarding School to continue their education, and 44 victims were reunited with their families.
Out of 63 victims referred to the Assistance Center for Victims of Human Trafficking under the Social Services Agency of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, 36 received psychological support, and 13 received legal assistance. Three were referred to the State Employment Agency for enrollment in vocational courses, and another three were directed for employment opportunities. The children of three victims were provided with school supplies.
Additionally, 17 potential victims, identified based on citizen appeals and referrals from NGOs, were also provided with the necessary care. Eighty-eight victims and potential victims, which is 10 fewer than in 2023, received financial assistance totaling 5,050 AZN, which is 250 AZN less than the previous year, from the relevant Support Fund under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Members of the Bar Association provided legal assistance to a total of 98 victims: 70 received support during court proceedings and 28 during the investigation process. The children of victims were also given attention, with 16 provided with educational supplies, 12 receiving birth certificates, 10 enrolled in preschool education programs, and alimony arranged for another 10 children.