01.04.2024

On March 28, 2024, the 25th meeting of the GUAM Subgroup on Combating Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, part of the Working Group on Coordination in the Combating Crime, was held online under the chairmanship of Moldova. Representatives from agencies focused on human trafficking and illegal migration from member states participated in the event.
The meeting was attended by Samir Garayev, head of division of the Main Department on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, alongside representatives from the Main Passport, Registration and Migration Department, INTERPOL's National Central Bureau, and the State Migration Service.
Samir Garayev provided an update on Azerbaijan's ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. He detailed the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dated December 27, 2022, which facilitates the implementation of the country's legislation in line with the Convention. This law introduces amendments to various legal codes, including the Labour, Family, Criminal, and Criminal Procedure Codes, as well as laws on Children's Rights, Education, Social Services, Lawyer and Advocacy Activities, and State Dactyloscopic and Genome Registration.
Representatives from other member states also shared information on legislative amendments in their countries.
In addition, Samir Garayev provided insights into Azerbaijan's efforts to combat human trafficking, while a State Migration Service representative briefed attendees on the country's efforts on address illegal migration.
An representative of the State Migration Service highlighted that Azerbaijan has signed readmission agreements with Sweden, Norway, Montenegro, and Serbia, and mentioned a draft agreement with the GUAM countries, which has been submitted to Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.
Representatives from other member states also reported on their respective government's activities in combating human trafficking and illegal migration.