Baku: In a concerted effort to combat human trafficking and forced labor, Azerbaijan has reported the detection of 161 human trafficking cases in 2024, marking an increase of two cases compared to the previous year. These findings were revealed during operational and search measures conducted by a special police agency, as presented in the Annual Report of the National Coordinator for Combating Human Trafficking. The report was discussed at a joint meeting of the Human Rights, Legal Policy, and State Building Committees of the Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan).

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the report also highlighted the detection of one case of forced labor, two fewer than in 2023. Additionally, 44 crimes related to illegal actions involving documents for the purpose of human trafficking were identified, a figure that remains unchanged from the previous year. As a result of these findings, 15 criminal cases were initiated, which is one fewer than in 2023, and 16 individuals, comprising 13 women and 3 men, were charged as suspects-two fewer than the previous year.

Investigations concluded for a total of 13 criminal cases, including six from previous years, which is an increase of two cases compared to 2023. In total, 14 individuals, including 11 women and 3 men, were brought to trial, consistent with the previous year's numbers. The courts issued convictions against 11 traffickers, one more than in 2023, as part of the country's ongoing efforts to address and curb human trafficking activities.