ARPA INSTITUTE PRESENTATION
On “Human Trafficking & Armenia” by Vahan Zanoyan
Thursday, December 19, 2013 @ 7:30PM
In the Merdinian School:13330 Riverside Dr. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

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Abstract: In 2008, the United Nations estimated that nearly 2.5 million people from more than 125 different
countries were being trafficked into some 135 countries around the world. Trafficked women and children are
often promised work in the domestic or service industry but, instead, are taken to brothels where they are
forced into prostitution, and their passports and other identification papers are confiscated. Vulnerable
populations in former Soviet states, such as Armenia, are particularly susceptible to this global phenomenon.
Since Armenia’s independence, thousands of Armenian women and girls have been taken — to Russia, Turkey,
and some Arab states of the Persian Gulf — to be initiated into prostitution. The presentation will focus on the
newly published crime novel, “A Place Far Away,” which, in addition to sex trafficking, explores the
underlying socio-economic enablers of that crime in Armenia. The novel uses gripping fiction to expose the
horrific reality of this phenomenon, and focuses on the story of Lara Galian, a 16-year-old girl from a poor
village in Armenia who is forced into prostitution after a corrupt oligarch murders her father. Soon after, Lara
finds herself in Moscow and then Dubai, as part of a human trafficking ring. Along with the help of a Swiss
investigative journalist, she fights to free herself and to be reunited with her family in Armenia. The
presentation will also touch upon how young Armenian women are taken and sold into the sex trade. The story
is based on real characters and events, although names and sceneries are altered for safety. Stressed will be the
importance of prevention of such inhuman activities in Armenia. All proceeds from the sale of the book will
be donated to two organizations devoted to fighting sex trafficking: ORRAN, an Armenia-based NGO that
helps at-risk children, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief, (UMCOR), whose mission is to alleviate
human suffering around the world. Books will be available for purchase and signing during the event.
Vahan Zanoyan is a poet, author and global energy expert with over thirty-five years of experience serving as
a consultant to numerous international and national oil companies, banks, government agencies, and other
public and private organizations. He has graduate degrees in Economics and Political Science from the
American University of Beirut and University of Pennsylvania. He has travelled extensively throughout the
world in both his professional and personal life. Zanoyan has published two volumes of poetry in Armenian
(Վերադարձ and Եզրէն Դուրս), in addition to his debut novel, A Place Far Away, which has received very
favourable reviews and recognition through several professional channels. For more information on A Place
Far Away, visit:
 The book’s fan page: https://www.facebook.com/APlaceFarAway
 Interview with Civilitas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2xo8rTJS-fQ

 Article in Peoples’ Voice: http://www.thepeoplesvoice.org/TPV3/Voices.php/2013/08/23/womenexploited-
author-zanoyan-spotlight
 Interview with HETQ: http://hetq.am/arm/news/30244/inchu-enq-aysqan-antarber-ays-poqr-erkriapagayi-
handep.html
 Article/Interview in Aztag Daily: http://www.aztagdaily.com/archives/122040
 Reader Reviews on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/k79r6xv
 KIRKUS Review (https://www.kirkusreviews.com/author/vahan-zanoyan/)
Zanoyan currently divides his time between Southern California, Armenia and the Middle East and is actively
involved in numerous philanthropic activities in Armenia.
Disclaimer: The Merdinian School is not the sponsor of this event and any opinions
expressed during the event are not those of the School.
For information please contact Dr. Hagop Panossian at (818) 453-0618 or
[email protected]