On the World Day Against Trafficking IOM Azerbaijan raises awareness on the exploitation of child labour and violence against children as a form of trafficking

This year the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons coincides with the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. In this context, IOM Azerbaijan organized a sensitization event focusing on trafficking as a form of violence against children and put into light the potential of children and their right to an open future. 

The sensitization activity was conducted with potential child victims of sexual exploitation, forced labour, and forced begging assisted by two shelters in Baku managed by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Clean World – Aid to Woman Public Union and Azerbaijan Children Union. 

In coordination with the NGOs, IOM organized an art workshop in each shelter on “Children’s Potential”. Shelter’s personnel and IOM team explained to girls and boys what children’s rights are and discussed with them on their future and potential. Children were asked to paint where they see themselves in the future and draw their expectations and wishes. 

On 30 July 2021, the paintings and handicrafts, made by the children from the shelter of Azerbaijan Children Union, reflecting the national attributes of Azerbaijan were exposed at the exhibition titled "The Second Breath" dedicated to the World Day Against Trafficking. 

The exhibition organized by the Azerbaijan Children Public Union and supported by IOM Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lu-Moon Hoolding, "ASAN Volunteers" and Khatai Art Center, aimed to draw the public attention to the exploitation of child labour and violence against children as a form of trafficking and highlights the importance of combating trafficking.

Supported by IOM “Counter Trafficking In Person” project funded by USAID, the specially designed exhibits reflecting the children's rights and their vision for the future were demonstrated at the exhibition.