In a new report published today, the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) assesses developments since the publication of GRETA’s first evaluation report on Azerbaijan in May 2014 as regards the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
GRETA welcomes progress made in some areas, in particular amending legislation, training relevant professionals, raising awareness of human trafficking and amending the rules for the identification of victims of trafficking and their referral to assistance.
However, GRETA notes that some issues continue to give rise to concern. GRETA urges the Azerbaijani authorities to take measures to prevent trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, by reintroducing workplace inspections by labour inspectors and strengthening their mandate, regulating and monitoring the functioning of recruitment and temporary work agencies, and reviewing the regulatory system concerning domestic workers. Efforts to proactively identify victims of trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, in particular in construction, agriculture and domestic work, should be increased.
