27.09.2021

On September 22, 2021, a meeting took place at the Main Department on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, involving a delegation from the United States comprising representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection.

The US delegation included Joshua Evans, Adnan Mert, Bret Adams, Sorab Bhat, and Duygu Kangal. Present from the Azerbaijani side were Police Major General Hazi Aslanov, Head of the Main Department on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Deputy Chief Police Colonel Samir Zeynalov, Division Head Police Colonel Araz Babayev, and Inspector of the International Cooperation Department, Samir Hasanli.

The meeting aimed at fostering inter-institutional communication, sharing updates on ongoing efforts, and discussing potential areas for cooperation. Major General Hazi Aslanov provided an overview of Azerbaijan's strategy to combat human trafficking. He discussed key issues such as the improvement of the normative legal framework and institutional mechanisms, preventive measures to combat human trafficking, and the criminal prosecution of offenders. Additionally, extensive information was provided on the social rehabilitation and protection of trafficking victims, enhancements in assistance and protection for children who are victims, suspected victims, or potential victims of human trafficking, as well as other related measures. He also elaborated on the development of cooperation, training for authorized representatives, and awareness measures.

Joshua Evans subsequently presented the delegation's recent activities and underscored the critical role of cooperation in combating crime, particularly human trafficking, and apprehending wanted offenders.

The visiting delegation expressed gratitude to Major General Hazi Aslanov for the comprehensive briefing on Azerbaijan's efforts against human trafficking. They commended the initiatives of the government of Azerbaijan, noting that Azerbaijan's experiences serve as a valuable example for other nations.

The meeting was conducted in a constructive and professional atmosphere.