Statement by the Delegation of the Republic of Armenia at the UNTOC Working Group on Trafficking in Persons

16 October, 2025

Statement by the Delegation of the Republic of Armenia

Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

Working Group on Trafficking in Persons
06-07 October 2025

Distinguished delegates,

At the outset, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the co-Chairs and the Secretariat for the organization of this session, as well as to the UNODC representatives and panelists for the insightful presentations.

Mr. Chair,

The suppression and prevention of trafficking in persons and related forms of exploitation require a comprehensive approach, which must take into account the dynamic and evolving nature of these crimes, their deep entrenchment within vulnerable populations, and the need for adaptable legal and policy responses.

In criminal proceedings of the Republic of Armenia concerning trafficking in persons or exploitation, the primary elements subject to evidentiary establishment include: contact or communication between the victim and the alleged trafficker or recruiter; movement of the victim across internal or international borders; transfer and harboring at the destination; and acts of exploitation, including maintaining or placing the victim in a situation of exploitation. Establishing the purpose, intent, and means of exploitation-such as deception, coercion, abuse of a position of vulnerability, or the use or threat of force-is also of critical legal importance.

The evidentiary process in such cases is inherently complex due to the clandestine, organized, and cross-border nature of the offence. Each case typically involves distinct modus operandi and can include challenges related to self-identification or cooperation with law enforcement and judicial authorities. This reluctance often stems from fear of retaliation, social stigma, psychological trauma, and lack of trust in institutions. The evidentiary challenges are further compounded by the unreliability of victim or witness testimony, the presence of intermediaries, and the necessity for international legal cooperation and evidence gathering across jurisdictions.

The national legal framework of the Republic of Armenia establishes specific procedural guarantees and protective measures for victims of trafficking in persons, including the possibility of anonymous testimony, use of videoconferencing technology, psychological support during investigative and judicial processes, and cooperation with foreign jurisdictions through legal assistance mechanisms and extradition frameworks.

Within the framework of the Together Against Human Trafficking program—implemented by World Vision Armenia, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State—the Guidelines on the Identification of Alleged Victims of Trafficking in Persons or Exploitation by the Migration Service were developed.

Since 2022, the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Republic of Armenia has implemented the unified electronic platform for obtaining work permits, which streamlines and secures the registration of foreign labor. Through this platform, employers in the Republic of Armenia can submit applications for granting temporary residence status to foreign nationals based on employment. This process also integrates the issuance of a work permit, simplifying and unifying the procedure for legal employment of foreigners in Armenia.

In addition, relevant authorities of Armenia conduct the assessment of vulnerability and special needs among asylum seekers—particularly in identifying potential risks of human trafficking. The asylum application form includes a series of questions designed to evaluate the applicant’s level of vulnerability. Additional interviews and supplementary hearings with asylum seekers are conducted as needed.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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