An online event about Combating Human Trafficking was held in Ganja

Ganja Regional Center of the Ombudsman jointly with Ganja Youth House Social Service Center and the City Youth and Sports Head Office organized an online legal awareness event on the topic of combating Trafficking in Human Beings (THB).

During his speech in the meeting, Sabuhi Abbasov, head of Ganja Regional Center, said the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and many international human rights mechanisms have repeatedly stated that THB is a cause of violations of human rights. Therefore, when applying the legislation on human trafficking, it is necessary to consider international treaties on human rights and forced labor. It was also said that Azerbaijan has acceded to important international legal documents related to human trafficking.

S.Abbasov also noted that  a Law on “Combating Trafficking in Human Beings” has been adopted in Azerbaijan, which defines legal and organizational bases of preventing, combating THB, and legal status of trafficking victims, and also regulates the protection and assistance to such victims. It was said that Azerbaijan has experienced a good practice effectively implementing the relevant National Action Programs (NAPs), including the NAP on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2020-2024, which facilitated the effective relevant stakeholder collaboration.

The information was provided about the activities of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan in the field of combating THB, and the 916 Call Center, underlining that there have been held intensive legal awareness-raising events on its prevention, as a threat to human rights and freedoms. It was noted that the measures undertaken have positive effects on the development of legal thinking and legal culture of the population, and increasing the efficiency of government agencies in the fight against human trafficking.

The speakers, Amil Gurbanov, Director of Ganja Youth House Social Service Center, and Rashad Alizadeh, a representative of Ganja City Youth and Sports Department, also underlined the importance of legal awareness among young people in order to prevent THB.

The event continued in the context of active discussions on the topic, and questions asked by young people were answered.