Council of Europe praises Armenia's anti-trafficking progress
Council of Europe report welcomes Armenia’s anti-trafficking efforts, calls for further action
A Council of Europe expert body has released a report evaluating Armenia's efforts to combat human trafficking since 2022, welcoming improvements in victim identification and assistance while urging further action.
The report identified 90 trafficking victims between 2022 and 2025, including 22 children, with labor exploitation emerging as the predominant form. Authorities have strengthened training and investigative tools, leading to increased victim identification and trafficking investigations.
The Council highlighted positive legislative changes, including new trafficking provisions in Armenia's Criminal Code and protections in the revised Labor Code. However, the report noted significant gaps: no victims received compensation during the period, and legal assistance remains inadequate.
Key vulnerabilities include poverty, unemployment, poor housing, and isolation. Girls and women from the Yezidi minority face particular risks, as do migrant workers and children in alternative care. The report calls for increased resources for child protection agencies and stricter oversight of recruitment agencies.