The sixth and final awareness-raising event within the framework of the “From Darkness to Light: Awareness and Support Against Human Trafficking” project, implemented by the “Women of the 21st Century” Public Union with the financial support of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was held at the Aghsu District Children and Youth Chess School.
“Elchi” reports that the purpose of the event was to increase awareness about human trafficking among youth, educate them about the risks posed by this serious crime, and strengthen public support in the fight against human trafficking.
The event was attended by Alim Aliyev, an officer of the Main Department for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Mahira Amirhuseynova, chairwoman of the “Women of the 21st Century” Public Union and project manager; Kenan Tacizade, head of the Socio-Political and Humanitarian Affairs Sector of the Aghsu District Executive Power; Agajan Alabbasov, inspector of the Preventive Work Organization Group with Minors of the Public Security Division of the Aghsu District Police Department; Rashad Abdulov, operational commissioner of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Aghsu District Police Department; as well as teaching staff and students.
In his speech, Kenan Tacizade, a representative of the Aghsu District Executive Power, welcomed the participants and thanked the project organizers for holding such a relevant and socially significant awareness event in the Aghsu district. He noted that conducting awareness-raising events in the regions is of particular importance for increasing the knowledge of young people, protecting them from such dangers, and strengthening the joint efforts of society in this direction.
Alim Aliyev, an officer of the Main Department for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provided detailed information on legislation, ongoing preventive measures, and existing protection mechanisms in the field of combating human trafficking. He stated that human trafficking is one of the most dangerous transnational crimes of the modern era and that effective combat against this type of crime is not limited to the activities of law enforcement agencies alone. In this regard, citizen awareness, cooperation between state institutions and the public, and the continuous holding of awareness-raising events are of special importance.
Project manager Mahira Amirhuseynova provided detailed information on the nature of human trafficking, the methods criminals use to lure citizens into this crime, and ways to protect against this threat. She emphasized that one of the most effective tools in the fight against human trafficking is early awareness, and that youth being informed in this area contributes significantly to their protection from various risks. Mahira Amirhuseynova stated that in the modern era, criminals try to trap people through social networks and various digital platforms by making attractive promises such as education abroad, high-paying jobs, marriage, and others. From this perspective, it is crucial for citizens to be sensitive to offers they encounter on the internet, verify the reliability of information, and contact relevant state agencies when encountering suspicious situations. She also informed the participants about the state agencies, appeal mechanisms, and hotline services operating in this field.
Agajan Alabbasov, an officer of the Aghsu District Police Department, stated in his speech that awareness-raising events play an important role in the fight against human trafficking. He noted that informing young people in this area serves to protect them from various dangers, recognize risks in time, and increase their legal knowledge. Agajan Alabbasov emphasized the importance of cooperation between state institutions and civil society organizations in this direction.
At the end of the event, participants’ questions were answered, an exchange of views took place, and the importance of awareness, public information, and state-public cooperation in the fight against human trafficking was once again highlighted.
It should be noted that within the framework of the project, a total of six awareness-raising events were held: two in Baku, as well as in Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Gabala, and Aghsu. During the events, participants were provided with detailed information about the dangers posed by human trafficking, ways to protect against it, and existing appeal mechanisms.