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On July 17, 2009, the U.S. government donated computer and radio equipment and a vehicle, worth a total of over $40,000, to the National Police Unit to Combat Trafficking–in-Persons under the Main Department Combating Organized Crime. The donation ceremony on behalf of the U.S. Embassy was attended by Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch and, on behalf of the Government of Armenia- by Chief of Police Major-General Alik Sargsyan.

Purchased by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, the equipment includes two servers, several computers and printers, six radios and a vehicle. The new equipment and the vehicle are donated to assist the Unit to Combat Trafficking-in-Persons to effectively and speedily implement operations and searches; compile, process and preserve sensitive information and databases on the trafficking cases and traffickers; as well as protect victims from potential threats during the investigation of cases. It will also contribute to effective cooperation between the Police Unit and other stakeholders (state agencies and NGOs) in implementation of the National Referral Mechanism and National Action Plans to fight trafficking-in-persons.

In the most recent U.S. Department of State Trafficking-in-Persons Report, Armenia was ranked in Tier 2, reflecting advances made by the Armenian Government, NGOs and citizens in combating modern-day slavery.

This project is only part of the U.S. Government’s comprehensive law enforcement assistance program in the Republic of Armenia. The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, through its International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section, has funded the renovation of the Police Induction Center in Kanaker and donated administrative and classroom equipment to the Police Academy of the RA. In cooperation with the Government of Armenia the Embassy successfully established a nationwide computer network for the RA Police. U.S. Government assistance in the fight against human trafficking is directed at training law enforcement personnel in investigation, prosecution and prevention of the crime, victim protection, as well as legislative instruments and international practice in the field. The U.S. Government has been funding the operations of the NGO “Hope and Help,” which provides a hotline, shelter, and social, psychological and legal assistance to the victims of trafficking.