27.09.2021

On September 24, 2021, a meeting was convened at the administrative building of the Main Department on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The meeting gathered Police Major General Hazi Aslanov, Head of the Main Department, Deputy Chief Police Colonel Samir Zeynalov, and Division Head Police Colonel Araz Babayev, alongside leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively engaged in combating human trafficking.

Among the participants were Mahira Amirhuseynova, Chairwoman of "Women of XXI Century" Public Union; Ramiz Aliyev, Chairman of the "Organization for Combating Human Trafficking" Public Union; Asif Bayramov, Chairman of the "Support for Socio-Economic Development in the Regions" Public Union; Galib Nabiyev, Chairman of the "Gabala Regional Youth Resource Center" Public Union; Mehriban Abdullayeva, Chairwoman of the "Democratic Society and Protection of Women's Rights" Public Union; Zenfira Mustafayeva, Chairwoman of the "Women's Initiative and Assistance to Solve Social Problems" Public Union; Gulaya Safarova, Chairwoman of "Family World: Legal Assistance to Families" Public Union; Eynulla Kheyrullayev, Chairman of the "Guba Regional NGOs Resource and Training Center" Public Union; Anar Khalilov, Chairman of "Healthy Development and Education" Public Union; Kamala Agazade, Chairwoman of "Children of Azerbaijan" Public Union; Kubra Alakbarova, Co-chair of "Tamas" Regional Development Public Union; Mehriban Zeynalova, Chairwoman of the "Tamiz Dunya (Clean World) Aid to Women" Public Union; Ali Mirzayev, Chairman of the "Shirvan Regional NGOs Resource and Training Center" Public Union; Kamala Ashumova, Executive Director of "Hopeful Future and Social Initiatives" Public Union; and Shamseddin Aliyev, Chairman of the "Support to Police" Public Union.

The meeting aimed to recognize and reward NGO leaders who have made significant contributions to combating human trafficking. Police Major General Hazi Aslanov underscored the pivotal role played by these NGOs in raising public awareness about human trafficking, organizing specialized services for victims, and facilitating their social rehabilitation. He highlighted that in 2020, 16 NGOs actively involved in combating human trafficking were honored by order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in accordance with Article 10 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Combating Human Trafficking" and the "National Action Plan on Combating Human Trafficking in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2020-2024," approved by Presidential Decree No. 2173 on July 22, 2020. This recognition also aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations to Combat Human Trafficking on August 9, 2019, covering the period from 2019 to 2023.

Each NGO leader present at the meeting was awarded 1000 manats for their outstanding efforts in combating human trafficking.The award for the late chairman of "Legal Aid" Public Union, Ilgar Gasimov, was received by his son Manaf Gasimov.

The NGO leaders expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for its ongoing support and commitment. Discussions then focused on strengthening cooperation in combating human trafficking, addressing current challenges, and defining future objectives.

Police Major General Hazi Aslanov reaffirmed the essential role of NGOs in combating human trafficking and extended his best wishes for their continued success in their endeavors.