Greta Publishes Report On Armenia

GRETA PUBLISHES REPORT ON ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
24 September, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS: The Council of Europe’s Group
of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA)
published on Friday 21 September its first evaluation report on
Armenia, reports Armenpress citing The Council of Europe’s press
service. In the report, GRETA welcomes the important steps taken
by the Armenian authorities to prevent and combat trafficking in
human beings, in particular the efforts to raise public awareness
and train relevant professionals. However, GRETA considers that
more targeted awareness-raising measures should be developed for
vulnerable groups, in particular children. The report underlines that
the current procedure for identification of victims of trafficking
is not sufficiently effective as it is likely to leave out those
who did not co-operate with the law enforcement authorities. GRETA
urges the Armenian authorities to disconnect the identification
of victims of trafficking from their participation in criminal
proceedings. GRETA also considers that all actors involved in the
identification of victims should adopt a more proactive approach and
increase their outreach work, in particular as regards identification
of cases of trafficking for labour exploitation. GRETA considers that
the Armenian authorities should provide information to victims of
trafficking about the right to compensation, ensure that they have
effective access to legal aid in this respect and set up a State
compensation scheme accessible to victims of trafficking. As regards
victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings for trafficking cases,
GRETA urges the Armenian authorities to ensure adequate protection of
such persons, especially children. Prior to drawing up its evaluation
report, GRETA held consultations with the relevant authorities and
non-governmental and international organisations active in the field
of combating trafficking in human beings in Armenia. A confidential
first draft of the report was sent to the Armenian authorities
and their comments were taken into account in the final evaluation
report adopted by GRETA. This report is published together with the
final comments of the Armenian authorities, as provided for by the
Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human
Beings. On the basis of GRETA’s report, the Committee of the Parties
to the Convention will consider adopting recommendations addressed
to the Government of Armenia.

From: A. Papazian