07 June 2006, 21:34
Armenia listed in the second category of countries in trafficking
Armenia, like Georgia and Azerbaijan, is listed among the second category countries where women, children and men become victims of trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour. This is contained in the recently published annual report on human trafficking by the US State Department.
In particular, it is said with regard to Armenia that it is an important source and, to a less degree, a transit and destination country for women, young women and girls exported for sexual exploitation mainly to United Arab Emirates and Turkey.
According to the report, CIS countries are listed among the second category countries where women, children and men become victims of trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour. The lowest category "3" is assigned to the states which do not take serious efforts to combat it. Such assessment may entail suspension in such countries of non-humanitarian and non-trade assistance on the part of the USA.
The US State department report on human trafficking has been compiled on the basis of the information submitted by US embassies, government officials of foreign countries, non-government and international organizations, and research centres.
Author: Ashot Ter-Grigorian, CK correspondent
