Seminar on Working Together To Combat Trafficking

The ART, in the framework of its “Prevention of trafficking in human beings by pastoral counseling and assistance” program, held a seminar on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings for 22 clergy of the priests’ network involved in HIV and Trafficking activities in Armenia. The seminar was held in collaboration with UMCOR and “Democracy Today” NGO.
The following professionals on anti-trafficking conducted the seminar: Mrs. Gyulnara Shahinyan, UN Special Rapporteur on slavery, its causes and consequences; Mrs. Hasmik Edilian, Anti trafficking project coordinator of “Democracy Today “ NGO; Mrs. Viktoria Avakova, Anti-trafficking project manager, UMCOR; Psychologist, UMCOR shelter.
The participants discussed joint actions to be conducted over awareness raising campaigns; victim identification; victim protection and assistance in shelter; reintegration of victims in their society.
The seminar concluded with concrete proposals of cooperation on anti-trafficking among clergy and the two organizations, having a leading role in anti-trafficking in Armenia, including implementation of joint information campaigns; spiritual assistance to the victims in the shelter and their inclusion in the church life, inclusion of young victims in the church youth unions; reintegration of the victims in their communities and combating stigma and discrimination towards victims of trafficking.