Contributed by: Yuliya Gureyeva, Azerbaijan National VAW Monitor

On 10 February 2006, in the OSCE office in Baku created the “National NGOs Anti-Trafficking Network,” and Mehriban Zeynalova was selected to coordinate its activities. The network covers almost 40 regions and towns in Azerbaijan and was created with support from International organizations: OCSE, the U.S. Embassy, International Organization for Migration and ABA-CEELI League, as well as the Ministry of the Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

To ensure smoother exchange of the information among the network members, it was decided to establish a Network internal internet system and databases.

According to Vilayet Eyvazov, Deputy-Minister on Combating Trafficking in Humans, one of the main responsibilities, which has anti-trafficking NGOs, is to encourage victims of trafficking to bring an accusation against the traffickers. Usually victims try to avoid any contacts with police officers. And in this regard the role of the NGOS might become crucial. He had also declared the Ministry of Internal Affairs is opened to cooperation with NGOs in any activities, which can prevent this disaster.

Azerbaijan Gender Information Center also joined this Network and will provide informational support of all its activities.

Written by: Yuliya Gureyeva, Azerbaijan Gender Information Center, 15 February 2005.