On Tuesday Session the RA National Assembly discussed ratification of the Council of Europe Convention of Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.

According to “Novosti-Armenija”, the issue was presented by the RA Minister of Labor and Social Issues, Aghvan Vardanyan, and he said that the Convention provides protection of the rights of actual and potential victims of trafficking.

“The Convention envisages action on prevention of trafficking, assistance for victims of trafficking and legislative reforms. The rights of children are given special attention,”- said Mr. Vardanyan.

According to his words, the document provides for monitoring of trafficking and the formation of an expert group. The Minister also stated that Armenia has already joined and ratified several international agreements and conventions of action against trafficking.  Mr. Vardanyan added that the norms of the CoE Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings were recognized by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia as consistent with the fundamental law of the country.

“Ratification of the Convention will impose insignificant financial costs,”- the minister added.

The Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings was signed on 16th of May, 2005, in Warsaw. On behalf of Armenia it was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vardan Oskanian.

By 2007 November 19, the Convention was signed by 36 countries and ratified by 10. It entered into force on the 1st of February, 2008.

www.hayinfo.ru

Unofficial translation from Russian.

18.04.2008