In November 2018, 27 participants representing a dozen countries and UNHCR gathered in Baku for the activity ‘Combating Trafficking in Human Beings - Training on a Comprehensive Policy Response’. The aim of the Training was to enhance participants’ knowledge on THB and in developing effective, victim-centered policy responses to prevent, identify and address the issue. As a result, participants’ understanding of the situation and response to THB from across the Prague Process region improved, as did their ability to promote international good practices in the prevention, protection and prosecution areas of anti-trafficking policy.
The Head of Main Department on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, Police General-Major Heydarov, opened the training and welcomed participants. The welcome notes further featured interventions by representatives of the State Migration Service, the Czech Embassy and the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, as well as ICMPD’s Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The actual training first provided an overall understanding of human trafficking, including its legal context, the differences between THB and migrant smuggling and the most important sources of information. The different forms of trafficking were addressed within a knowledge check, where participants also had a chance to describe the trafficking situation in their respective countries. Finally, participants learned about the key tools and strategies for developing anti-trafficking responses.
After looking at how THB is represented in the media, the second day focused on the identification of trafficking victims and on how concretely to respond to cases of THB. Several case studies were carried out, different indicators introduced and video materials presented. The Director of the NGO Clean World (Azerbaijan) introduced the services required for addressing trauma and treating vulnerable individuals, as well as the general needs and rights of victims. Thereafter, the two ICMPD trainers addressed the various concepts and mechanisms for the referral of victims, as well as good practices in victim assistance. Azerbaijan concluded the day by introducing the main developments and challenges faced concerning THB, as well as the policy responses, operational practices and international cooperation developed to combat THB.
The final day featured a Training of Trainers session, including guidelines on how to prepare a training agenda and key learning points, use the training materials and carry out exercises. The training manual used as a basis for this training will soon be available in English and Russian at the Prague Process website.
