The project’s main objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Government of Azerbaijan in effectively countering human trafficking and protecting trafficked persons. The 24-month project will contribute to the efforts of the Government of Azerbaijan and within the framework of the Institutional Reform Plan II (IRP-II) of the EU-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Institutional Building Programme, Eastern Partnership, Mobility Partnership, and Easter Neighbourhood Policy as well as in full observance of the National Action Plan (2014-2018) on Combating Human Trafficking in Azerbaijan. The project will incorporate the international and national initiatives/framework on counter trafficking within the activities proposed in the action.
The project also complements the efforts of the on-going EU Delegation funded project “Enhancement of National Capacities to Combating Human Trafficking (ENCT)”, which is currently being implemented by IOM Azerbaijan. Based on the priority areas of the EU, this project augments the overall objective and the following outcomes in line with the international and EU standards:
1. Enhanced capacities of judicial staff to better prosecute cases of trafficking in human beings (THB) and protect the rights of victims and potential victims of trafficking;
2. Effectiveness of the National Referral Mechanism enhanced through facilitation of inter-agency coordination; and
3. Regional and international cooperation and partnership to combat human trafficking and protect trafficked persons strengthened.