19 June 2008, 18:26
Eva Biaudet calls on Azerbaijani authorities to join NGOs in combating trafficking
Special OSCE representative in fighting trafficking in humans Eva Biaudet has invited the authorities of Azerbaijan to cooperate with NGOs in combating trafficking in humans.
"Quite often, trafficking victims distrust law enforcers fearing their corruption essence. Therefore, NGOs can play their crucial role in revealing victims of trafficking," Ms Biaudet said in the press conference in Baku on June 18.
She has also offered the government to set up the institute of independent rapporteur in charge of drafting, in close cooperation with state structures and NGOs, regular reports on the situation in combating trafficking. She was satisfied with the four shelters for victims of trafficking opened in Azerbaijan. On the other side, the OSCE is ready to share the experience of its member-countries in this sphere.
Along with that, according to Eva Biaudet, the accelerated economic development of Azerbaijan brings new challenges. Thus, the risk of employing minors and foreign labour force is now higher. In particular, according to her story, there is data about possible import of labour from the countries of Central Asia.
Author: Faik Medzhid, CK correspondent
