Trafficking of Women and Children from the Republic of Armenia: A Study
The research was conducted through structured interviews with returning trafficked women, in-depth case studies of victims and traffickers, observations, and semi-structured interviews with key informants. In addition, the research made use of a literature review of secondary sources and analysis of existing legislation. The study looks at the nature and incidence of the problem in Armenia, describes and analyses the legislation in place, and provides recommendations relating to awareness-raising, prosecution of traffickers, protection and assistance to victims, further research and economic development. The findings indicate that the trafficking of women and minors from Armenia is mainly directed towards the UAE and Turkey, to supply the sex trade in the case of the UAE and both the sex trade and employment in the case of Turkey. The study shows that the Armenian criminal code has shortcomings and does not serve as a deterrent for traffickers.
This study attempted to contribute to the prevention of trafficking in migrants from and via Armenia by offering reliable information on the nature and incidence of the problem. The study provides a solid basis for program and policy intervention. The report consists of four chapters. In Chapter 1, an introduction and background information are provided along with a definition of trafficking and the research methodology used in the study. Chapter 2 examines the nature and extent of the trafficking problem in Armenia, specifically women and children. Chapter 3 describes and analyzes the legislation put in place to combat trafficking in Armenia. The fourth and concluding chapter provides recommendations to respond to the problem. The study clearly indicated the trafficking of women and children in Armenia. One significant cause attributed to this problem was the impoverishment and lack of decently paid job opportunities since the collapse of the U.S.S.R. The trafficking of women from Armenia was mainly directed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey. Minors were trafficked mainly for sex work abroad. This research would enable a joint effort to devise and implement follow-up activities. The following recommendations are presented for the prevention and reduction of trafficking in women and children from Armenia: (1) awareness training; (2) prosecution of traffickers; (3) protection and assistance to victims; (4) further research; and (5) economic development. Appendices within the report include; questionnaire, case studies, Legislation: The Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, international conventions and protocols related to trafficking-bilateral and multilateral agreements signed by Armenia related to trafficking, advertisements, acronyms and abbreviations, glossary, and references.
The research study was primarily funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, UNICEF and OSCE.
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- Acknowledgements
- Preface
- Executive Summary
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Trafficking in Women and Children from Armenia
- 3. Government policy, legislation and response
- 4. Conclusions and recommendations
- List of appendices
This publication has been issued without formal editing by the Publications Unit of IOM.