Armenia has advanced in the legislation and practices for preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings, said the Council of Europe Group of experts on action against trafficking in human beings (GRETA), in its new report published today. However, more needs to be done to prevent trafficking of children, trafficking for labour exploitation, as well as to protect and assist victims. The Armenian Government’s comments are published together with the report.
The new report by GRETA covers the period from 2012 up to December 2016. Armenia remains primarily a country of origin of victims of trafficking in human beings. During the reporting period, some 70 victims were identified, the majority (32) being women, followed by men (30) and children (17). Most of the identified victims were Armenian nationals exploited abroad, the main destination countries being the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the Russian Federation. Four Chinese citizens trafficked to Armenia were identified in 2014.
On the positive side, GRETA welcomed the adoption of new, dedicated anti-trafficking legislation introducing a recovery and reflection period and residence permits for victims. GRETA also commended the setting up of new structures, involving civil society, for the identification of victims of trafficking; improved and more inclusive training; disconnecting identification from the victim’s co-operation with the law enforcement bodies; and adopting a procedure for the safe and voluntary return of victims of human trafficking.
