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12 January 2021

UNODC colabora en el Curso de formación “la trata de seres humanos desde la perspectiva de los derechos humanos: análisis y diseño de herramientas para su lucha”

Como parte de las actividades del Plan de Transferencia, Intercambio y Gestión de Conocimiento para el Desarrollo de la Cooperación Española en América Latina y el Caribe – INTERCOONECTA en el 2020; el Consejo General del Poder Judicial de España y el Centro de Formación de la AECID en Uruguay ofrecieron mediante la plataforma virtual del 23 de Noviembre al 10 de Diciembre, el Curso de formación “La trata de seres humanos desde la perspectiva de los derechos humanos: análisis y diseño de herramientas para su lucha”

21 December 2020

UNODC releases new tools for UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol implementation

UNODC released today its new Model Legislative Provisions and Legislative Guide against Trafficking in Persons to support governments to draft, strengthen or amend national laws to address human trafficking.

11 December 2020

UNODC supports INTERPOL to target migrant smuggling and human trafficking

An INTERPOL-led operation against migrant smuggling has led to more than 200 arrests among criminal networks that were involved in the smuggling of around 3500 migrants throughout the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia. Up to 100 potential victims of human trafficking were also rescued during the operation, known as “Turquesa II”, which brought together authorities in 32 countries across four continents, with Brazil serving as the coordination hub.

19 November 2020

Reunión Ordinaria con Autoridades de la Comisión Interinstitucional contra la Trata de Personas -CIT

La Comisión interinstitucional contra la trata de personas y la Secretaría contra la violencia sexual, explotación y trata de personas, presentaron hoy en la segunda Reunión Ordinaria con Autoridades de la Comisión Interinstitucional contra la Trata de Personas –CIT, el Análisis Situacional y avances en materia de Trata de personas específicamente de las Desapariciones de niños, niñas, adolescentes y mujeres.

16 October 2020

Students design technology tools to tackle human trafficking

A group of students from Colombia has taken the top prize in the first-ever global technology competition to develop data-based solutions to combat human trafficking. The online event was organized by Pasos Libres, a Colombian organization that aims to prevent human trafficking through innovative technologies, together with technology company IBM and with the support of anti-trafficking experts from UNODC.  

13 October 2020

The Palermo Protocols in Practice: The Experience of REDTRAM, the Ibero-American Network of Prosecutors against Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling

Vienna, 12 October 2020 - In the framework of the Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, The Permanent Missions of Chile and Argentina and UNODC trough the section against trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, presented its side event, The Palermo Protocols in Practice: The Experience of REDTRAM, the Ibero-American Network of Prosecutors against Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling.

Los Protocolos de Palermo en la Práctica: La Experiencia de REDTRAM, la Red Iberoamericana de Fiscales contra la Trata de Personas y Tráfico de Migrantes

En el marco del Décimo Periodo de Sesiones de la Conferencia de las Partes en la Convención de las Naciones unidas contra la Delincuencia Organizada Transnacional, La Misiones Permanentes de Chile y Argentina y la UNODC a través de lasección contra la Trata de Personas y Tráfico de Migrantes, presentó su evento paralelo, Los Protocolos de Palermo en la Práctica: La Experiencia de REDTRAM, la Red Iberoamericana de Fiscales contra la Trata de Personas y Tráfico de Migrantes.

7 October 2020

When marriage is a crime

Girls as young as twelve are being forced or tricked into marrying men who exploit them for sex and domestic work. This under-reported, global form of human trafficking is analyzed by UNODC in a new publication that explains how countries can identify and prevent this crime and protect its victims.

6 October

Saudi Arabia takes concrete steps to counter human trafficking

Economic opportunities in Saudi Arabia have been attracting migrant workers for over eight decades, and as the Kingdom gradually opens its doors to foreign visitors and tourists, their numbers are expected to rise. Under a new initiative, UNODC and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are working together to protect victims and potential victims of this crime and detect and prosecute perpetrators.

21 September 2020

UNODC promotes "Education for Justice" in Bangladesh

Roles were reversed recently in Bangladesh where over 30 university lecturers, professors and deans from 25 public and private universities gathered online to learn about the crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

10 September 2020

Introducing the Chair of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons

This September, the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons  of the UNTOC Conference of the Parties will meet in Vienna and virtually. Experts from around the world will discuss national practises on currentissues related to countering this crime and related gaps and challenges in the implementation of the UN Protocol on Trafficking in Persons in their respective countries.

10 September 2020

Impact of the COVID crisis on migrant smuggling

Criminal networks who smuggle migrants for profit continue to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic; as their methods become riskier and the demand for their services looks set to rise.

8 September 2020

Introducing the Chair of the Working Group on the Smuggling of Migrants

This September, the Working Group on the Smuggling of Migrants will meet in Vienna and virtually. Participants from around the world will discuss national practices on current issues related to this crime and gaps and challenges in the implementation of the UN Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants in their respective countries.

3 September 2020

Harnessing the power of technology to combat human trafficking

A global competition to develop tools that use both technology and data analysis to prevent as well as prosecute cases of human trafficking, is underway.One hundred and sixty people from 13 countries are currently working against the clock on innovations that could identify trafficking patterns, locate hotspots and track criminal networks that exploit people of all ages and backgrounds.  

2 September 2020

UNODC partners with Brazil on ‘Freedom in the Air’ initiative

Brazil, together with UNODC and other partners, has launched the “Freedom in the Air” (Liberdade No Ar) initiative. Under the project, which will run for the next four years, airports throughout Brazil are broadcasting videos and distributing leaflets and comics.This multilingual material explains the tricks of the traffickers, the reasons why people become victims of this crime and how airport and airline staff or passengers can take appropriate action.

14 August 2020

Taking action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Niger

Niger, 28-29 July 2020 - UNODC is staging awareness raising events at border crossings throughout the country together with Niger’s National Agency for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. Tillabéry, a region on Niger’s border with Mali, was the setting for the first event, which brought together over 50 participants from local youth and women’s associations, border control authorities, members of the media and commercial transportation companies.

30 July 2020

Nepal takes a step forward against human trafficking

Nepal, July 2020 - The latest report on Trafficking in Persons from Nepal’s Human Rights Commission estimates that around 35,000 people, including 15,000 women and 5,000 girls, were victims of this crime in 2018.

6 July 2020

UNODC organizes webinar on internet mechanisms in human trafficking

Ecuador, 2 July 2020 - The risks of the Internet in relation to human trafficking and the need to improve prevention was the topic of a webinar organized by the Ministry of Government, together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) - through the TRACK4TIP initiative - the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Education.

UNODC organiza webinar sobre los mecanismos de internet en la trata de personas

Ecuador, 2 de julio de 2020 - Los riesgos del internet frente a la trata de personas y la necesidad de mejorar los medios de prevención fue la temática que se abordó en un webinar organizado por el Ministerio de Gobierno, junto a la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito (UNODC) - a través de la iniciativa TRACK4TIP - la Fiscalía General del Estado y el Ministerio de Educación.

10 June 2020

TRACK4TIP supports Brazil’s Special Mobile Inspection Group of the Division of Inspection for the Eradication of Slave Labour (DETRAE) in its celebration of 25 years in the fight against slave labour

Brazil, 15 May 2020 - TRACK4TIP supported the Special Mobile Inspection Group of the Division of Inspection for the Eradication of Slave Labour (DETRAE) in their 25 years’ celebration as a reference in the fight against slave labour. The Mobile Group works to ensure labour rights, while combating slave and degrading labour. Since its creation in 1995, the Mobile Group has rescued more than 54,000 workers.

10 June 2020

UNODC strengthens response to trafficking of Venezuelan migrants

Since 2014, over five million Venezuelans have fled their country to escape political, economic and social unrest – and the numbers are continuing to rise. Some are being trafficked for forced labour, mainly in agriculture, and sexual exploitation. In response, UNODC with the support of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of State, has started a three-year initiative that will strengthen criminal proceedings and the delivery of justice in cases of trafficking involving Venezuelan migrants.

21 May 2020

COVID-19: Victims of human trafficking left unemployed in Vietnam

Survivors of human trafficking in Vietnam are now facing an uncertain future after losing the jobs that were helping them to rebuild their lives. Lockdown measures in the country, which were enforced to tackle COVID-19, have led to the closure of businesses, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and beauty industries. Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a charity in Hanoi that supports trafficking victims, is supported by the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking.

21 May 2020

COVID-19: Counselling for trafficking victims goes online in Colombia

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on the support provided to victims of human trafficking as services are reduced, postponed and in some cases halted. But an organization in Medellin, Colombia is continuing to provide essential care to survivors by operating online through a project financed by the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking.

5 May 2020

COVID-19: UNODC warns of increased risks to human trafficking victims

Measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus are exposing victims of human trafficking to further exploitation and limiting their access to essential services. New analysis from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows how lockdowns, travel restrictions, work limitations and cuts in resources are having a negative and often dangerous impact on the lives of these already vulnerable people – before, during and even after their ordeal.

4 May 2020

UNODC supports Brazilian authorities in combatting human trafficking through eLearning

The TRACK4TIP initiative in Brazil, supported the Special Mobile Inspection Group (GEFM; acronym in Portuguese) to combat human trafficking and slave labor by facilitating their access to UNODCs online eLearning courses.

1 May 2020

COVID-19 pandemic and its impact for victims and survivors of trafficking in persons

The current COVID-19 outbreak has drastically affected the lives of millions around the globe. While health responses are a priority, concerns have emerged on the short and long-term impact that the pandemic and the measures taken to control it have and will likely have on the crime of trafficking in persons and its victims. The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) recognizes the importance of global efforts to respond to such an unprecedented crisis.

28 April 2020

UNODC supports South Eastern Europe in facing the COVID-19 pandemic

UNODC continued to support the Governments of South Eastern Europe during the COVID-19 outbreak as part of the preparedness and response to the pandemic. UNODC support to the regional law enforcement agencies has increased further with the offer of free access to UN e-Learning modules for operational staff in the area of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

20 April 2020

UN police officers in Mali step up action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling with UNODC support

In Mali, action against human trafficking and smuggling has strengthened following the cooperation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with the UN’s Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the training of UN police officers deployed under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA).

4 April 2020

Punishing traffickers, not victims – ICAT launches an Issue Brief on the non-punishment principle for victims of human trafficking

The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT), a lead policy mechanism to coordinate anti-trafficking responses within and beyond the UN system, has released an Issue Brief on Non-Punishment of Victims of Trafficking.

3 April 2020

Students of Queen Mary University of London help UNODC in expanding the knowledge basis on human trafficking and migrant smuggling

On 9 April 2020, UNODC/HTMSS concludes a twelve weeks volunteer placement programme of four postgraduate students studying Immigration & Asylum Law Through Practice. The students functioned as external contributors to the Knowledge Portals of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. The plethora of information contained in the Portals helps the work of criminal justice practitioners globally and forms the basis of analytical tools and publications of UNODC.

28 March 2020

Malawi to launch its Communication Strategy and 24-month national campaign against Trafficking in Persons on 30^th July 2020

The Ministry of Homeland Security will launch the Communication Strategy on anti- Trafficking in persons on 30^th of July 2020 on the occasion of the World Day against trafficking in Persons. The launch of the Communication Strategy, which was developed with the support of UNODC, will be followed by a 24 months national awareness campaign aimed at increasing attention to the issue of trafficking in persons in Malawi and creating a sense of protection in the communities.

27 March 2020

UNODC partners with civil society to fight human trafficking in Malawi

UNODC and civil society held a meeting in Lilongwe to coordinate work and strengthen data collection efforts in Malawi. 30 members of civil society organizations were designated as “court monitors” and tasked to collect court judgments on trafficking in persons from several courts of Malawi.

26 March 2002

UNODC conducts tailored training on human trafficking for trainers and lecturers of Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE)

UNODC in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Judiciary, National Prosecutions Authority and Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) has conducted a three-day training of trainers (ToT) workshop.

13 March 2020

Malawi civil society trained on trafficking in persons victims’ care and protection

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Homeland Security of Malawi conducted the first training for civil society on care and protection for victims of trafficking in persons in Lilongwe, from 11^th to 13^th March 2020.

11 March 2020

UNODC makes a difference in the fight against trafficking in persons in Malawi

The Ministry of Homeland Security held an Annual Review Conference on Trafficking in Persons in Malawi from 10^th to 11^th March 2020 to take stock of the efforts and achievements in combatting human trafficking. In this context, many Government officials noted with appreciation the results of the two-year project of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) implemented in partnership with the Government of Malawi and funded by the United Kingdom, "Strengthening a comprehensive response to trafficking in persons in Malawi".

9 March 2020

Zambia reviews legislation relating to smuggling of migrants

UNODC in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Zambia Law Development Commission convened a five-day retreat in Lusaka to identify gaps in the law relating to the smuggling of migrants (SoM). This activity is part of a joint project of UNODC with the Government of Zambia funded by the Swedish Government aimed at combating SoM.

7 March 2020

Parliamentarians speak out on financing anti-human trafficking in Malawi

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Homeland Security conducted a training for selected members of Parliament on the need to allocate adequate resources for anti-Trafficking in person’s activities in Malawi.

1 March 2020

UNODC strengthens the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures and National Referral Mechanisms to combat Trafficking in Persons in Zambia

UNODC and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Zambia convened a three (3)-day training workshop on the implementation of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to combat human trafficking in Lusaka (28 February-1 March 2020).

27 February 2020

UNODC Workshop to evaluate the effectiveness of Zambia’s National Policy to combat Human Trafficking

UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs of Zambia, convened a 3-day workshop to identify existing gaps in Zambia’s National Policy to Combat Human Trafficking (2007) in Lusaka (23-27 February 2020). The workshop brought together 20 experts from relevant government departments and civil society organizations and laid the basis for developing a revised and comprehensive national policy in Zambia.

24 February 2020

Media in Malawi develop guidelines for reporting on Trafficking in Persons

UNODC in Malawi engaged editors and reporters selected by media houses on recommendation from the Ministry of Homeland Security to develop guidelines on accurate and victim-sensitive reporting on trafficking in persons.

17 February 2020

UNODC convenes first consultative meeting on the inclusion of human trafficking courses at Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education

UNODC in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) convened a one-day consultative meeting to discus and develop a road map for the development of a sustainable capacity building programme on human trafficking to be offered at ZIALE.

28 January 2020

UNODC hosts first Judicial Colloquium on Trafficking in Persons in Zambia

UNODC in partnership with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Home Affairs convened a three-day Colloquium on Trafficking in Persons for twenty-five Magistrates in Chisamba, Zambia, whose main objective was to assist Zambia strengthen its criminal justice response to human trafficking.

30 January 2020

UNODC hosts Expert Group meeting on trafficking in women and girls in the context of global migration

Experts from Eastern Europe and Central Asia representing almost 20 international and non-governmental organizations gathered at the UNODC Headquarters to contribute inputs and viewpoints feeding into the forthcoming General Recommendation on trafficking in women and girls in the context of global migration by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

30 December 2019

Zambia gains momentum in its review of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act No.11 of 2008

UNODC partnered with the Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) to convene a validation meeting on 19 December 2019 for stakeholders on the review of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 2008. The review was necessitated by the need to address the bottlenecks associated with the enforcement of the Act and re-aligning the provisions of the Act with the 2002 Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol) as per Zambia's international obligations.

18 December 2019

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the rule of law

One year ago, countries adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The Compact's objectives include the need to strengthen transnational responses to smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons in the context of international migration, through implementation of the Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants Protocols.

8 December 2019

India: Judicial officers trained to counter human trafficking through mock trial

UNODC, in collaboration with the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, held an innovative mock trial-based training for 57 Judicial Officers on human trafficking related cases from 6-8 December 2019 in Chandigarh, India, using a real-life scenario to discuss in depth the complex concepts and evidential issues arising in human trafficking cases.

23 October 2019

UNODC develops training curriculum for Malawi Police service recruits against trafficking in persons

The need for a specialised training on trafficking in persons for law enforcement officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship services and the Malawi Police Service demands for a review of the Police Recruit Training Curriculum and development of the training Manual.

11 October 2019

Zambia Decides to Separate Smuggling of Migrants from its Anti-Human Trafficking Law

UNODC in partnership with the Zambia Law Development Commission, recently convened a drafting workshop at Fringilla Lodge in Chisamba from 7 to 11 October 2019 to support the development of amendments to Zambia's Anti-Human Trafficking Act; this work built on key recommendations made at a stakeholders' legislative review meeting held in June 2019 in Lusaka at Mika Lodge.

4 October 2019

UNODC trains 25 Zambian Criminal Justice Practitioners to become Trainers against Trafficking in Persons

Anti-human trafficking efforts in Zambia traces back to as early as 2007, when the Government developed its first Policy to Combat Human Trafficking. This was later followed by the enactment of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 2008, placing Zambia in the lead, as a pioneer in the SADC region in terms of compliance to the Palermo Protocol.

30 September

Road Shows Inspire Community Collaboration against Trafficking in Persons

Malawi Government has rolled out public awareness campaigns on human trafficking with support from UNODC in Phalombe and Mchinji Districts, quite known for cases of trafficking in persons across the border. Speakers included the the Representative from the Human Rights Commission, the Magistrate, and the Coordinator for Community Policing for Phalombe District. During the roadshows, members of the general public were encouraged to ask questions to the panel of speakers. Read more here.

25 September 2019

UNODC partners with The Hague Academy of International Law in a training programme for Thai judges

UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section has partnered with The Hague Academy of International Law in a training programme designed for judges from Thailand on the international law of trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling. The programme was launched on 16 September and will last ?until 27 September 2019 structured around a rich agenda featuring UNODC experts, ILO representatives, members of the UN Human Rights Committee, prominent international scholars and criminal justice practitioners from the Netherlands. Read more here.

3 September 2019

Inter-ministerial Committee focuses on sustainable financing to counter trafficking in persons in Malawi

UNODC supported the 3 ^rd meeting of the National Coordination Committee against Trafficking in Persons (NCC ATIP) on 3 September 2019 in Lilongwe, Malawi.The meeting endorsed the proposal from the Ministry of Homeland Security to develop a Resource Mobilization Strategy of internal resources, with UNODC's technical support.Read more here.

27 July 2019

Frontline officers trained on new standard Operating Procedures in Malawi

Blantyre, 20-27 July 2019 - UNODC organized a workshop for more than 30 law enforcement officers, protection officers and other service providers on the application of the ¨Trafficking in Person Act: Regulations and Standards Operating Procedures and National Referral Mechanism¨ with the aim to provide a better understanding of trafficking in persons and international legal framework, as well as the national legal framework on trafficking in persons, and to link participants to resources and materials on to better fight the crime.

15 July 2019

Third Judicial Colloquium on Human Trafficking in Botswana

UNODC and the Department of Defence, Justice and Security convened the third Judicial Colloquium Against Trafficking in Persons in Kasane, Botswana from the 9 to 11 July 2019. Read more here.

12 July 2019

Training of frontline officers in Mzuzu on new standard Operating Procedures

Mzuzu, 7-12 July 2019 - UNODC organized a workshop for a group of more than 50 law enforcement officers, protection officers and other service providers on the application of the "Trafficking in Person Act: Regulations and Standards Operation Procedures and National Referral Mechanism". The result of strengthened capacity of these officers to detect and refer trafficking victims to the correct services.

4 July 2019

UNODC supports enhanced action on addressing trafficking in women and girls in the context of global migration

On the margins of the 41st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 25 June, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) helped lead a panel discussion focused on addressing trafficking in women and girls in the context of global migration. Read more here.

28 June 2019

Malawi enhanced National Data Collection Network on Trafficking in Persons

UNODC held a three days data collection training for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Act law enforcement agencies on 3-6 June 2019 in Lilongwe. The training built the capacity of the focal point officers appointed by the National Coordination Committee against trafficking to collect TIP data. Read more here.

19 June 2019

The critical role of university professors in addressing migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons

UNODC delivered the first workshop on human trafficking and migrant smuggling for university professors from French-speaking Africa in Senegal as part of the Education for Justice Initiative (E4J). 29 university professors from 16 French-speaking African countries were trained on university modules designed to teach students about human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Read more here.

14 June 2019

India: Greater financial support, stronger coordination as "imperative" to counter human trafficking

Experts from law enforcement agencies, civil society and media from eight Indian states and Union Territories emphasized the need for greater government investments to support multi-stakeholder mechanisms and responses aimed at countering trafficking in persons, at a consultation hosted by UNODC in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India at Chandigarh. The consultation was the fourth in a series of five stakeholder meetings lead by UNODC and financed by the UK to strengthen anti-trafficking coordination across India. Read more here.

10 May 2019

Zambia: UNODC supports data collection efforts to fight against human trafficking

UNODC, in partnership with Zambia's National Secretariat on Human Trafficking, convened an on-site three-day data training workshop for 25 frontline officers who are involved in data collection and management related to trafficking in persons. Read more here.

17 April 2019

Malawi: UNODC strengthens capacity of Malawi to collect and analyse data on trafficking in persons

UNODC and the SADC Secretariat have developed a data collection and management system to gather information related to trafficking in persons for the SADC region, which was rolled out in Malawi in May 2017. To support the authorities, UNODC donated laptops to the Ministry of Homeland Security in Malawi for management of data on trafficking in persons. Read more here.

28 February 2019

Malawi: Mchinji District Making Strides - Dozens of Trafficking Victims Rescued

Since the establishement of the new anti-trafficking coordination structures in Mchinji, Malawi, with the support of UNODC, 61 victims of trafficking were rescued in 2018 in the district. Read more here.

25 February 2019

UNODC Intensifies the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons in Guinea: Judges and Prosecutors Meet to Discuss and Overcome the Challenges of Human Trafficking Cases

On 19 - 21 February 2019, UNODC organized a 3-day training workshop on trafficking in persons for 30 Guinean judges and prosecutors of lower courts of the country to strengthen their capacities to better combat human trafficking and protect victims of this crime. Read more here.

29-31 January 2019

Islamic Republic of Iran and UNODC to increase cooperation on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants matters

On 29-31 January 2019, UNODC hosted a high-level delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran for a three-day specialized Technical Meeting on Exchange of Views on Cooperation Mechanisms for Effective Prevention and Combat of Transnational Organized Crime at its Headquarters in Vienna.

25 January 2019

The Government of Zambia and UNODC launch new UK-funded project on trafficking in persons

The Government of Zambia, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with the financial support of the United Kingdom, has launched a new project on trafficking in persons, entitled " Strengthening the implementation of a comprehensive response to trafficking in persons in Zambia".

24 January 2019

Understanding Trafficking in Persons - accumulating knowledge from 15 years of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol

On 22 January 2019, UNODC launched a new Issue Paper on The International Legal Definition of Trafficking in Persons , thanks to the generous and long-term support of the Government of Switzerland. This publication consolidates learning from the drafting and publication of three earlier technical issue papers and one guidance note regarding specific elements of the legal definition of trafficking in persons.

2 January 2019

UNODC Expert Group Meeting on National Responses to Trafficking in Persons

From 3 to 5 December, UNODC human trafficking experts from across the globe met in Vienna to discuss national measures and good practices to combat trafficking in persons, as well as planned revisions of UNODC's Model Law against Trafficking in Persons and the Legislative Guide to the United Nations Trafficking in Persons Protocol, two of the core guidance materials of the last 15 years developed to support Member States in better addressing trafficking in persons and fulfilling their obligations under the TIP Protocol. Read more here.

19 December 2018

First Conviction in Colombia for Trafficking in Persons for Domestic Servitude

In September 2018, the first conviction for Trafficking in Persons for domestic servitude was handed down in Colombia. The case was led by a Prosecutor who participated in a UNODC training in Bogota and based her legal arguments before the court on concepts she had learned in the training, including the concept of abuse of a position of vulnerability. The judicial decision of the case refers to the UNODC Issue Paper on "Abuse of a position of vulnerability and other "means" within the definition of trafficking in persons." Read more here.

6 December 2018

Understanding and sharing States' approaches to prosecuting smuggling of migrants: the role of UNODC Case Law Database on Smuggling of Migrants

A few years after its inception, UNODC organized a 3-day expert group meeting from 27 to 29 November 2018 to review the work undertaken to date on the Case Law Database on Smuggling of Migrants, through the collection and analysis of case law, legislation and other related legal and judicial data on the smuggling of migrants. Read more here.

19 November 2018

The Government of Malawi and UNODC launch new UK-funded project on trafficking in persons

The Government of Malawi, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with the financial support of the United Kingdom, has launched a new project on trafficking in persons, entitled " Strengthening the implementation of a comprehensive response to trafficking in persons in Malawi". Read more here.

13 November 2018

The Blue Heart campaign takes to the seas

For the fifth year running, on 20 - 27 October 2018, thirty-eight sailors got together on nine chartered boats for a week of sailing activities off the coast of Croatia. This year the club decided to promote meaningful causes to raise awareness of the United Nations work and aims among its members, and specifically picked the Blue Heart campaign as a flagship UNODC initiative. Read more here.

1 November 2018

Following the money: experts meet in Vienna to discuss illicit financial flows from migrant smuggling and human trafficking in Eastern Africa

On 23-25 October 2018, UNODC held an expert group meeting on Illicit Financial Flows deriving from Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Eastern Africa in which participants and experts exchanged views and shared approaches on investigating and prosecuting migrant smuggling and human trafficking using financial evidence. Read more here.

17 October 2018

Thematic Paper "Countering Trafficking in Persons in Conflict Situations"

In recent years, trafficking in persons occurring in conflict-affected areas has raised grave concerns among the international community, as armed and terrorist groups have engaged in acts of trafficking of particular gravity and severity in many regions of the world. Read more here.

5 October 2018

UNODC stepping up the fight against human trafficking in Malawi

In the framework of a new project funded by the United Kingdom, UNODC gathered twenty-six key Malawian stakeholders, including government officials and civil society representatives, to identify priority areas of intervention against trafficking in persons. Read more here.

1 August 2018

UNODC supports the efforts of Cape Verde to combat human trafficking

UNODC held a series of two training workshops against Trafficking in Persons for a multidisciplinary group of practitioners, in Praia, Cape Verde, to strengthen the national capacity to counter the crime: the first one focused on the investigation and prosecution of trafficking in persons cases and the second on the importance of protection and assistance to victims. Read more here.

21 May 2018

Towards a Regional Plan of Action on Countering Smuggling of Migrants in Eastern Africa

In order to discuss the need for a common political approach and policy harmonisation against migrant smuggling in Eastern Africa, UNODC together with GIZ presented a side event on "Countering Smuggling of Migrants in Eastern Africa - towards a Regional Plan of Action" during the 27th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ). The event provided a forum for exchanging expertise and experience on countering the smuggling of migrants in Eastern Africa region. Read more here.

27 April 2018

Peruvian authorities carry out a mock investigation against the smuggling of migrants during the first international seminar on the investigation and prosecution of the crime

With the objective to strengthen the detection, investigation, and prosecution capacities of 26 prosecutors, police and migration officials from various provinces of Peru, UNODC, in partnership with national counterparts and with the support of the United States of America, organized the first International Seminar for Investigating and Prosecuting the Smuggling of Migrants.Read more here.

21 March 2018

UNODC held the Second Mock Trial on Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East and North Africa

The UNODC Programme Office in Jordan teamed up with the UNODC Country Office in Colombia, the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Cairo and the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section (HTMSS) in Vienna to deliver a second mock trial on trafficking in persons in the MENA region. Read more here.

14 March 2018

Strengthening institutional capacities and inter-agency cooperation to prevent and combat trafficking in persons in Jordan

On 03 March 2018, the UNODC Jordan Programme Office, together with the UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section in Vienna, concluded a very successful week with the delivery of two workshops with national counterparts on effectively addressing trafficking in persons (TIP) in Jordan. Read more here.

7 March 2018

Enhancing Effective and Victim-Centred Criminal Justice Responses to Trafficking in Persons in Rwanda

On 26 February - 1 March 2018, participants and UNODC experts had lively discussions and exchanges about how to best address Trafficking in Persons cases in Rwanda and follow a victim-centred approach. UNODC together with the Government of Rwanda and in cooperation with the IOM, hosted a 4-day Training Workshop with the goal of enhancing the investigation and prosecution of Trafficking in Persons cases whilst simultaneously ensuring a victim-centred approach. Read more here.

13 February 2018

UNODC launches new publication for journalists covering human trafficking in the Arab World

UNODC Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region (OGCCR) has launched the "Human Trafficking Toolkit for Journalists" to empower the media to tell the story of modern-day slavery. The toolkit focuses on the Arab region, a region where challenges related to data availability, as well as the complicated nature of migration flows and labour markets, renders reporting on and analysing human trafficking issues a more difficult task. Read more here

13 February 2018

UNODC trained Macedonian professionals in smuggling of migrants training delivery techniques

Migrant smuggling is a transnational crime that has been expanding significantly in the past few years affecting an increasing number of countries. Intelligence indicates that most flows directed towards the EU transiting through the Western Balkans are managed by organized criminal groups. Read more here

15 January 2018

The Republic of Maldives prepares new anti-migrant smuggling bill with UNODC support

UNODC is providing support to the government of the Republic of Maldives in its efforts to develop a new legal instrument to prevent and combat the smuggling of migrants, led by the Ministry of Economic Development. A legislative drafting workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Economic Development on 3-4 December 2017 in Malé. Read more here.

27 December 2017

Enhancing Effective and Victim-Centered Criminal Justice Responses to Trafficking in Persons in Rwanda

UNODC together with the Government of Rwanda and in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) hosted a 3-day Training of Trainers Workshop with the goal of enhancing the investigation and prosecution of Trafficking in Persons cases whilst simultaneously ensuring a victim-centered approach in Rwanda. Read more here.

22 December 2017

First Concerted Effort in Eastern Africa to create a Regional Action Plan against Migrant Smuggling

UNODC facilitated a Regional Expert Working Group Meeting in cooperation with INTERPOL Regional Bureau Nairobi from 13 to 15 December in Mombasa, Kenya, to improve and harmonize regional coordination and cooperation in preventing and combating migrant smuggling, while protecting the rights of smuggled migrants. Read more here.

20 December 2017

L'ONUDC lance le Précis de jurisprudence sur "Les questions de preuve dans les affaires de traite des personnes" en sa version française

Le Précis de jurisprudence sur « Les questions de preuve dans les affaires de traite des personnes » qui a été lancé par l'ONUDC en Octobre 2016, en marge de la Conférence des Parties à la Convention des Nations Unies contre la criminalité transnationale organisée, est désormais disponible en français. Read more here

11 December 2017

Regional Workshop to Prevent and Combat Smuggling of Migrants through Strengthened Capacity to Examine Security Documents in South Africa

UNODC organized the first specialized Regional Workshop focusing on document fraud investigations in the context of migrant smuggling, with the participation of immigration officials and criminal justice practitioners from six countries of Southern Africa on 4-8 December 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. Read more here.

31 October 2017

UNODC Database reaches a milestone having publicized Human Trafficking Case Law from more than half the world

UNODC Human Trafficking Case Law Database reached a tremendous milestone, having obtained and made publically available human trafficking cases from over one hundred jurisdictions worldwide. Read More here

26 May 2017

UNODC launches global database of migrant smuggling cases

UNODC has launched the Smuggling of Migrants Knowledge Portal aimed at improving the knowledge-base on global prosecution practices and anti-migrant smuggling legislation. Read more here.

26 May 2017

Migrant Smuggling is a Business: How do States Address the Concept of Profit?

UNODC launched the Issue Paper: The Concept of "Financial or Other Material Benefit" in the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol on the last day of the twenty-sixth session of the Commission on Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice, which took place in Vienna, from 22 to 26 May 2017. Read more here.

9 - 11 May 2017

Prosecutors and judges meet to strengthen judicial cooperation to address migrant smuggling across the Mediterranean

The overall aim of UNODC Regional Training Workshop to Promote Judicial cooperation against the Smuggling of Migrants by Sea affecting the Mediterranean Sea, held in Malta, 9 - 11 May 2017was to support participating States in their endeavour to dismantle criminal networks engaging in migrant smuggling by sea while protecting the human rights of smuggled migrants through effective judicial cooperation. Read more here.

26-28 April 2017

Follow the Money: Experts Meet in the Balkans to Address the Financial Profits from Migrant Smuggling

"Where deprivation of liberty no longer appears to be an effective threat, the targeting of financial assets seems more feared by smugglers." So did H.E. Ms. Christine Toudic, Ambassador of France in Montenegro open UNODC Regional Expert Meeting that gathered law enforcement practitioners and prosecutors from 14 countries, together with experts from civil society organisations, regional and international organisations on 26 and 28 April 2017 in Budva, Montenegro. Read more here.

19 April 2017

Brazil joins UNODC global initiative against human trafficking and migrant smuggling

The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants was launched on Wednesday, 19 ^th of April, at the UN house in Brasília. Read more here.

17-18 April 2017

Why raising awareness about human trafficking and migrant smuggling matters

Under the EU funded GLO.ACT (Global Action to Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrant) project, the Federal Investigation Agency ( FIA) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), conducted a two day police and community awareness training on human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Peshawar. Read more here.

7 March 2017

Nepal joins global initiative on human trafficking and migrant smuggling

The Government of Nepal, UNODC and the European Union, in the presence of national partners and stakeholders, launched GLO.ACT - the Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants on the eve of the 107th International Women's Day. GLO.ACT is a global joint initiative from UNODC and the European Union, being delivered in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Read more here.

3 March 2017

GLO.ACT holds 2 ^nd Stakeholders Consultation Meeting in Lao PDR

Senior government officials, international and civil society partners, along with representatives of the relevant line Ministries, convened in Vientiane to put concrete suggestions forward on the proposed workplan of the Global Action to Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT). Read more here.

27 February 2017

Colombia joins global initiative on human trafficking and migrant smuggling

In order to strengthen national capacities to respond effectively to the crimes of trafficking in persons (TiP) and smuggling of migrants (SoM), the Government of Colombia and UNODC launched GLO.ACT, the Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants in the South American country. Read more here.

28-30 November 2016

Regional Training Workshop on the Smuggling of Migrants by Sea in South Asia

UNODC held its third trans-regional training workshop on preventing and combatting the smuggling of migrants by sea. This workshop focused on the Indian Ocean/South Asia region and took place in Hyderabad, India at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) National Police Academy (NPA) on 28-30 November 2016. Read more here.

16-18 November 2016

First Expert Consultation on the Smuggling of Migrants in South Eastern Europe: focus on joint investigations and illicit financial flows

As a first in a series of Regional Expert Group Meetings on the Smuggling of Migrants with a focus on the South Eastern Europe, UNODC conducted a regional expert consultation in Belgrade on 16-18 November 2016 on joint criminal investigations and prosecutions and disruption of illicit financial flows deriving from the smuggling of migrants. Read more here.

15-16 November 2016

What is Migrant Smuggling? Working towards a common understanding of the international definition

In order to understand how States fulfil their obligation to criminalize migrant smuggling as per the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol , UNODC has initiated a study with the support of the Government of Switzerland. Read more here.

10-11 November 2016

Trafficking in Persons Expert Group Meeting 10-11 November 2016

With a view to producing new practitioner guidance in early 2017, UNODC conducted an expert consultation in Vienna from 10-11 November on key legal concepts within the definition of trafficking in persons. Read more here.

29 September 2016

Special Meeting on 'Contributing to a Global Compact on Migration: Actions to Address Trafficking in Persons'

On 19 September, representatives from across the globe gathered in New York for the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants. At a follow-up event held today at the United Nations, UNODC's Director of Treaty Affairs, John Brandolino, spoke on the topic, highlighting the centrality of the Organization's anti-human trafficking protocol in contributing to a global compact on migration. Read more here.

26 September 2016

South Africa joins UNODC global initiative on human trafficking and migrant smuggling

Earlier this year, the Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT), an initiative from UNODC, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the European Union (EU), was launched globally. This programme forms part of a joint response to assist countries to develop and implement effective responses to trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants and focuses its efforts on assistance to governmental authorities, civil society organizations, victims of trafficking and smuggled migrants. Read more here.

10-12 May 2016

Smuggling of Migrants in Southern Africa: Developing a Regional Response

The Regional Workshop, the first one of this kind, was organised by the SADC Secretariat and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in order to discuss regional trends and patterns of smuggling of migrants, and to share ideas for a possible regional response to this challenge. Read more here.

9-12 May 2016

Prosecuting trafficking in persons and protecting victims in Algeria

Implemented under the Global Programme against Trafficking in Persons, from May 9 - 12 2016 in Algiers, Algeria, UNODC provided advanced training on investigating and prosecuting trafficking in persons and protecting victims. The workshop built on the basic training workshops previously held by UNODC in Algiers. Read more here.

19-21 April 2016

Capacity building for Moroccan judges and prosecutors to help combat human trafficking

On April 19-21, in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of Justice, UNODC held a workshop on combatting trafficking in persons for judges and prosecutors in Marrakesh, Morocco. Read more here.

13-15 April 2016

Addressing the needs of smuggled migrants in Tunisia

From April 13 - 15 in Tunis, Tunisia the workshop entitled 'Strengthening the capacities of criminal justice practitioners on addressing protection and assistance needs of smuggled migrants' took place. Read more here.

11-12 April 2016

Combating trafficking in human beings for the purpose of forced criminality

At the 16th Alliance Against Trafficking in Persons High Level OSCE Conference held in Vienna, John Brandolino, Director of the Division for Treaty Affairs spoke on the topic "combating trafficking in human beings for the purpose of forced criminality". Read more here.

4-8 April 2016

Regional Workshop on Smuggling of Migrants by Air and Document Fraud

UNODC organised its first-ever specialized capacity building workshop focusing on migrant smuggling by air and document fraud, hosted by the Government of Ghana, with the participation of experts from INTERPOL and the Ghana Immigration Service. Read more here.

15-17 March 2016

Training Algerian judges and prosecutors to combat migrant smuggling

In coordination with the Algerian Ministry of Justice, UNODC's three-day training workshop entitled 'Training Workshop for judges and prosecutors on combating migrant smuggling in Algeria' was primarily designed to strengthen their capacity to prosecute and adjudicate migrant smuggling cases. Read more here.

8-11 March 2016

Working Towards a National Strategy Against Human Trafficking in Tunisia

The workshop was held for members of the Tunisian Temporary National Commission against Trafficking in Persons to support them in drafting a National Strategy against trafficking. Read more here.

1-3 March 2016

Training Law Enforcement Officers to Fight Migrant Smuggling in Morocco

A capacity building workshop in Kenitra, Morocco was organized by UNODC for the Royal Gendarmerie and the Directorate General of National Security on the topic of combating migrant smuggling. Read more here.

16-17 February 2016

Seminar for Judges and Prosecutors to address the Smuggling of Migrants held in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Under UNODC's Global Programme against Smuggling of Migrants, a seminar was held in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to help take action to prevent and combat smuggling of migrants. Read more here.

26-27 January 2016

Combating Trafficking in Children in the Western Balkans

UNODC organized the Second Country Workshop entitled 'Enhancing national and regional criminal justice response to trafficking in children in the Western Balkans' in partnership with the National Trafficking in Human Beings Coordinator of BiH, the French Permanent Mission in Vienna and the French Embassy in BiH and Serbia. Read more here.

14-15 December 2015

UNODC Seeks to Collect Migrant Smuggling Case Law

In December, UNODC organised an Expert Group Meeting in order to gather the suggestions of experts and practitioners over the development of the Case Law Database on Smuggling of Migrants. Read more here.

9-10 December 2015

ICAT Expert General Meeting on Evaluation of Counter-TIP Responses

A gathering of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) met for an Expert Group Meeting at UNODC headquarters in Vienna to discuss the development of a coherent, evidence-based system of measuring, evaluation, and learning for counter-trafficking responses. Read more here.

8-9 December 2015

Following the Money: Connections Between Human Trafficking and Money Laundering

In cooperation with the UNODC Global Programme against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and the Financing of Terrorism (GPML), the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section organized an expert meeting on the topic in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, which as well as helping to develop a deeper understanding of the topic through exploring useful investigative methods, was also designed to share best practices and expand inter-agency cooperation. Read more here.

4-5 November 2015

Western Balkans: Cross Border Cooperation on the Migrant Crisis

The Regional Workshop in Belgrade was designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation between criminal justice actors and other authorities from the public and private sectors in South Eastern Europe to combat organized crime networks involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the Western Balkans. Read more here.

14 October 2015

UNODC and ISISC Trans-regional Training Workshop on Preventing and Combating the Smuggling of Migrants by Sea affecting the Mediterranean Region

UNODC has made notable efforts to support countries around the world in combating transnational organized crime and the smuggling of migrants in particular.

It continues to build the capacity of criminal justice practitioners by providing trainings aimed at bringing together the countries of origin, transit and destination to take stock of current challenges, exchange good practices and come up with follow-up actions to dismantle transnational smuggling networks. Read more here.

24 June 2015

Preventing and responding to abusive and fraudulent labour recruitment:
A call for action

In today's globalized economy, workers are increasingly compelled to look for job opportunities far away from home, and many
find employment in countries other than their own. Read more here.

1 June 2015

Call for Proposals - UNODC Small Grants for Legal Clinics in the Arab Region

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) invites legal clinics working in the Arab Region to apply for small grants through a new Call for Proposals. The call opened on Monday, 1 June 2015 and will close on Thursday, 2 July 2015. For more information about eligibility and the application process. Read more here.

14 October 2014

Annotated Bibliography Database on Migrant Smuggling in Asia is launched

The Bibliographic Database on Migrant Smuggling and Related Conduct is a database of 300 synthesized publications on migrant smuggling previously collected, synthesized and published by UNODC in two Annotated Bibliographies. The first was published in 2012 and an updated version, volume II, in 2014.

Read more here.

30 July 2014

UNODC marks first human trafficking day with call for countries to step up fight against this crime

Today the United Nations marked the first World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking is a global problem and one of the world's most shameful crimes, affecting the lives of millions of people around the world. Traffickers deceive women, men and children from all corners of the world and force them into exploitative situations every day.

Read more here.

30 July 2014

ICAT Joint Statement on the occasion of the first World Day against Trafficking in Persons

As the World Day against Trafficking in Persons is celebrated for the very first time today, on 30 July 2014, the member organisations of the Inter-agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) are addressing the international community with a joint statement to mark the occasion.

Read more here.

25 July 2014

Giving hope to victims of human trafficking

Ahead of the first ever World Day against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), we hear the harrowing experiences of human trafficking survivors, as well as their stories of hope thanks to the work of grassroots organizations helping the victims of this despicable trade. Managed by UNODC, the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking supports on-the-ground humanitarian, legal and financial aid to victims in a bid to help them start a new life free from slavery.

03 July 2014

Call for applications: International Seminar for Judges - The Critical Role of the Judiciary in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

Judges from around the world are invited to apply for a seminar examining the critical role of the judiciary in combatting human trafficking, to be held on 27-30 October 2014 in Haifa, Israel.
Deadline for applications extended until 15 August 2014.

Read more here.

30 April 2014

UNODC expands key legal database to help improve human trafficking convictions

UNODC's Human Trafficking Case Law Database - a key tool to combat this global crime - has reached an important milestone two and a half years since its launch: it now includes detailed information on more than 1,000 trafficking cases from 83 countries.

Read more here.

16 February 2014

UNODC and EUJUST LEX hold Training on International Cooperation to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Iraq

In order to further support national efforts to investigate and prosecute human trafficking and migrant smuggling cases, UNODC and the European Union Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq (EUJUST-LEX) delivered jointly a four-day workshop on 'International Cooperation to Combat Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants' in Baghdad, Iraq, from 17 to 20 November 2013.

Read more here.

02 December 2013

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

"This year's International Day for the Abolition of Slavery comes as the international community is intensifying efforts to eradicate poverty and forge a post-2015 development agenda. In pursuing these goals, it is vital that we give special consideration to ending modern-day slavery and servitude which affects the poorest, most socially excluded groups - including migrants, women, discriminated ethnic groups, minorities and indigenous peoples." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Read more here.

26 November 2013

UNODC launches Paper on Corruption and the Smuggling of Migrants

UNODC launched the Issue Paper: Corruption and the Smuggling of Migrants in the margins of the Working Group on the Smuggling of Migrants held in Vienna in November 2013 to assist policy makers and practitioners prevent and address corruption related to the smuggling of migrants.

Read more here.

10 October 2013

International Seminar on "The Critical Role of the Judiciary in Combating Trafficking in Human Beings"

The seminar was organized by Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation Europe, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Organization for Migration. It took place in the Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center in Haifa, Israel, from 5-8 August 2013.

Read more here.

29 September 2013

Empowering Algerian Magistrates to Fight Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants

In view of its geographical location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the southern part of Europe, Algeria is a transit and destination country for thousands of men, women and children originating from sub-Saharan African countries and wishing to reach Europe or the Middle East. In the process, these migrants who enter Algeria illegally may fall prey to human trafficking rings and may be subjected to forced labour and domestic and/or sexual exploitation.

Read more here.

25 September 2013

The Arab Initiative to Build National Capacities to Combat Human Trafficking in the Arab Countries

The Arab Initiative to Build National Capacities to Combat Human Trafficking in the Arab Countries was launched in 2012 and aims to build national capacities in the 22 member countries/territories of the League of Arab States to effectively combat human trafficking, through technical assistance.

Read more here.

15 August 2013

University of Queensland launches international online database to deepen understanding of migrant smuggling

The University of Queensland (UQ) today launched its new Migrant Smuggling Case Database, containing details of more than 100 documented cases of migrant smuggling prosecuted in five countries.

The database aims to boost global efforts against migrant smuggling. It will help law enforcers, policymakers and researchers understand how migrant smuggling occurs and how national laws can combat this crime effectively.

Read more here.

 

19 July 2013

UNODC launches migrant smuggling data sharing system for state authorities

The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific launched the Voluntary Reporting System on Migrant Smuggling and Related Conduct (VRS-MSRC) in support of the Bali Process on Tuesday, 16 July 2013. The VRS-MSRC is an internet-based, secure system where state authorities can collect and share migrant smuggling data.

Read more here.

 

14 May 2013

General Assembly reviews efforts to combat human trafficking

Policy-makers put human trafficking on center stage today at a High Level Meeting of the General Assembly chaired by the President of the GA Vuk Jeremic and in the presence of the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The event was attended by 85 states, UNODC Goodwill Ambassador to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Mira Sorvino, as well as representatives from civil society.

Ten years after the entry into force of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, and three years after the adoption of the Global Plan of Action to combat human trafficking, Member States gathered in New York to review progress and to map out a strategy for the future.

Read more here.

13 May 2013

Brazil joins Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking

Brazil is the latest country to join the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking, with singer Ivete Sangalo appointed as a national UNODC Goodwill Ambassador and face of the campaign. There are millions of victims of human trafficking across the globe. The campaign aims to mobilize Brazilian society against this crime.

Read more here.

26 April 2013

Assessing Crime Challenge and State Response to Migrant Smuggling - Launch of the Assessment Guide to the Criminal Justice Response to the Smuggling of Migrants

The Assessment Guide to the Criminal Justice Response to the Smuggling of Migrants was launched in the margins of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The Assessment Guide provides an inventory of measures for assessing the legislative, investigative, prosecutorial, judicial, and administrative responses to the smuggling of migrants by land, air, and sea, for deterring and combating such crime, and for integrating the information and experience gained from such assessment into successful national, regional, and international strategies.

Read more here.

05 April 2013

Ministers endorse UNODC data collection on migrant smuggling

After granting UNODC full membership in the Bali Process at its Senior Officials Meeting the previous day, the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime endorsed the UNODC-developed Voluntary Reporting System on Migrant Smuggling and Related Conduct (VRS-MSRC).

The VRS-MSRC is a secure, internet-based tool that allows contributing member states to collect and share information and analysis of migrant smuggling and irregular migration to address strategic knowledge gaps and to better inform national and regional migrant smuggling policies.

Read more here.

27 March 2013

Popular TV drama delivers human trafficking message in Colombia

08 February 2013

Actress Mira Sorvino extends her role as UNODC Goodwill Ambassador

 

 

07 February 2013

International Framework for Action to implement the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol available in French

30 January 2013 Combating Human Trafficking in Yemen - Stepping it up Yemen has taken many positive steps to combat trafficking in persons (TiP), however a lot remains to be done to combat this phenomenon. Victims of TiP in Yemen include women and children. Children are usually trafficked to Gulf States, in particular Saudi Arabia, as well as from rural areas to urban centres for the purposes of forced labour or sexual exploitation. In a ddition, migrants smuggled from the Horn of Africa who rely on the assistance of criminal networks to enter Yemen are vulnerable to becoming victims of TiP. With a view to assisting Yemen in stepping up its efforts to fight TiP, UNODC, in partnership with the League of Arab States, held an anti-trafficking legislative drafting training workshop in Sana'a, Yemen, from 28-30 January 2013. The workshop took place within the framework of the Arab Initiative to combat human trafficking and used the UNODC and the Arab Model Laws against Trafficking in Persons as guidance tools. Read more here.

29 January 2013

Honouring Corporate Creativity in the Fight against Human Trafficking

During the closing ceremony of the World Economic Forum last week in Davos, Switzerland, Tristan Forster - CEO of the ethical recruitment and management company FSI Worldwide - was awarded the Business Leaders Award to Fight Human Trafficking. The Award merits private sector individuals who show leadership in finding creative and sustainable solutions to combat modern slavery across the globe.

Human trafficking affects virtually every country in the world. According to the latest UNODC Global Report on Human Trafficking, victims from 136 different nationalities have been found in 118 destination countries, and there are at least 460 distinct trafficking flows crossing all continents and every region. Human trafficking is also big business for organized crime groups, with estimates running in the billions of dollars annually. Despite these economic realities, the dominant approach to combating human trafficking has been to rely almost exclusively on Governments and civil society organizations, and little has been asked of the private sector."For all our efforts, for all our hard work, we must also acknowledge that we cannot confront human trafficking alone" said UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov at the Award ceremony. Human trafficking demands a joint response from all sectors of society, including the private sector.

The Award Jury unanimously selected Tristan Forster for establishing and leading a recruitment and manpower company promoting ethical labour supply.

Read more here.

14 January 2013

Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking gathers strength with new initiatives

The Blue Heart Campaign has gained additional support with new initiatives around the world. Switzerland became the latest country to join the Campaign, and in Colombia and the Republic of Serbia, cinema and theatre have been used to generate awareness and serve as a stark warning to potential victims about false promises of a better life.

 

On the European Day against Trafficking in Human Beings, 18 October 2012, Switzerland became the latest country to join the Blue Heart Campaign. In a conference organized by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the country renewed its commitment to the fight against human trafficking and joined the Blue Heart. As a destination country for traffickers, Switzerland is also affected by this global phenomenon.

Read more here.

18 December 2012

International Migrants Day: Working to tackle organized crime and the exploitation of migrants

22 years ago today, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families - an important event both for people who move voluntarily for better economic opportunities and different lifestyles as well as those displaced by conflict, political upheaval, violence, disasters, climate change and, increasingly, economic necessity. In recognition of this, 18 December was designated International Migrants Day - a day on which UNODC takes the opportunity to highlight the role of organized criminal networks that benefit from migrants seeking a better life.

According to the World Disasters Report 2012 published by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), there are an more than 70 million people classified as forced migrants across the globe. Of these, the United Nations Development Programme says that there are some 50 million irregular migrants believed to have used the services of smugglers at some stage of their journey.

Read more here.

13 December 2012

Webinar panellists call for partnerships in efforts to combat trafficking globally

Panellists during a webinar on "Trafficking Prevention and the Victims: New United Nations and Academic Perspectives" called on governments, international organisations and NGOs to strengthen partnerships and build on their collective efforts to fight human trafficking.

"The effects of globalization have increased the propensity for people to migrate in search for a better life and employment opportunities," Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, Chairperson of the twenty-first session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, stated in her welcome address. "It must be recognized, however, that migrants are often victims of crime. Once in the foreign lands, migrants, migrant workers and their families are vulnerable to abuse, violence and exploitation, particularly migrant women and migrant children. Violence can take many forms, including trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, racial discrimination, hate crimes, and victimization… the prevention of trafficking in persons requires coordinated and comprehensive responses."

A series of pre-recorded lectures by academics and experts from international organisations was followed by a live question and answer session in which panellists answered to questions that were posed by participants, both live in the room and around the world.

Read more here.

12 December 2012

Increase in global child trafficking gives cause for concern, says new UNODC report

The 2012 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons released by UNODC has revealed that 27 per cent of all victims of human trafficking officially detected globally between 2007 and 2010 are children, up 7 per cent from the period 2003 to 2006.

"Human trafficking requires a forceful response founded on the assistance and protection for victims, rigorous enforcement by the criminal justice system, a sound migration policy and firm regulation of the labour markets," said Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC of the findings.

Also worrying is the increase in the number of girl victims, who make up two thirds of all trafficked children. Girls now constitute 15 to 20 per cent of the total number of all detected victims, including adults, whereas boys comprise about 10 per cent, says the Report, which is based on official data supplied by 132 countries.

Read more here.

 

06 December 2012

Lao PDR "extremely vulnerable" to trafficking by transnational organized crime groups, says UNODC Executive Director

Lao PDR's position at the hub of the Greater Mekong Subregion and its shared borders with Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam make it "extremely vulnerable" to the trafficking of people, illicit drugs and commodities by transnational organized crime groups, warned Yury Fedotov, UNODC Executive Director. He said this was true despite the country's economic reforms, impressive economic growth rates and its efforts to combat corruption. "While economic growth and regional integration bring many positives such as the increased mobility of goods, services, people and money, they also provide opportunities for transnational organized crime to expand, threaten human security and challenge the rule of law," said Mr. Fedotov. "Transnational organized criminal syndicates traffic in illicit drugs, children, women and men, counterfeit products and fake medicines. But they also play a role in illicit resource extraction including protected natural resources, timber, fish and other wildlife. These syndicates represent a threat to public health and to society's well-being," said Mr. Fedotov. "Let's put them out of business!"

Read more here .

 

04 December 2012

Successful test run of irregular migration and migrant smuggling reporting system

The pilot phase of the Voluntary Reporting System on Migrant Smuggling and Related Conduct (VRS-MSRC) in Support of the Bali Process held a successful test run, which concluded with a two-day validation workshop last week. Australia, Cambodia, France, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Maldives, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tonga, UK, and the USA, as well as the Pacific Immigration Directors' Conference (PIDC) participated in the trial run.

The VRS-MSRC is an internet-based, secure system that facilitates the collection, sharing, and analysis of data on migrant smuggling, irregular migration and other related conduct. It was developed by UNODC in close consultation with law enforcement authorities from countries and international organizations in Asia, the Pacific, Europe, and North America. This work was undertaken by UNODC following the 4th Bali Process Ministerial meeting, where ministers welcomed UNODC assistance in establishing a voluntary reporting system.

Read more here.

 

26 November 2012

Applying lessons learnt from training to young victims of human trafficking in the Lao PDR

La (not her real name) is 14 years old from Ban Pakpet, Sayaboury province. She was deceived by her 18 year old friend from the same village to go to Thailand to work as a labourer in a corn field. Her friend told her that she would receive Thai Baht 3,000 per month. In fact she received only Baht 1,200 after working very hard for many long days.She escaped from her workplace and tried to make her way back home. However as she was about to reach Chong Pong, Chiangrai, the Thai Police, found that she had no official documents and fined her, taking all the cash she had. With no money left for transport, she had to walk many kilometers to the Mekong River and the Lao border. On the Lao side, the army border guards found her and called the Police in Paktha district to deal with the case. The police officer who received the call was participating in the Workshop on Human Trafficking for Legal and Law Enforcement Officials, as well as Victim Service Providers that was organized by UNODC from the 19-21 September 2012. The police officers left the workshop at 17:30 pm on the 21 st September 2012 to interview La. Instead of arresting her for illegal border crossing the police officers used interview techniques learnt from the training to comfort her and treated her as a victim and not a criminal. They found a safe place for her to stay while waiting for her relatives to pick her up.

Read more here.

 

21 November 2012

The fate of smuggled migrants: Confronting violence and exploitation

UNODC's Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, spoke this week on combating violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families at the Sixth Summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) - the informal, Government-led initiative addressing interconnections on these key global issues. The event was also addressed by Peter Sutherland, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Migration and Development who delivered a speech on behalf of the UN chief.

Read more here.

 

12 November 2012

Prevent migrant smuggling to reduce human trafficking

 

12 November 2012

Cambodia fights sexual exploitation of children with more female police and by training all police on gender-based violence

This year, more than 3 million tourists will visit Cambodia, according to estimates. Most will come to enjoy Cambodia's tropical climate, stunning cultural heritage sites and beaches. A small percentage, however, come to gain easy access to children vulnerable to sexual exploitation. High poverty levels, weak social networks and limited law enforcement ability to investigate and successfully prosecute crimes against children by travelers have made Cambodia - along with many of its Greater Mekong Sub-region neighbors - a major destination for travelers seeking to have sex with children.

Read more here.

 

25 October 2012

Forced migration: a humanitarian tragedy exploited by smugglers

Over 70 million people, more than one in every 100 of the world's citizens, are forced migrants, displaced by conflict, political upheaval, violence and disasters but also by climate change and development projects, according to World Disasters Report 2012 of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Of these, some 50 million irregular migrants are believed to have used the services of smugglers at some stage of their journey, says the United Nations Development Programme.

Read more here.

 

17 October 2012

Human trafficking under spotlight at Conference of Parties meeting

Human traffickers make an estimated $32 billion annually in an illicit market which affects millions of victims worldwide every year. On the margins of the sixth session of the Conference of State Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), intergovernmental agencies, NGOs and government representatives discussed progress made and shared best practices and challenges in fighting one of the world's most shameful crimes and one which robs people of their dignity and basic rights.

Read more here.

12 October 2012

Nigeria launches anti-human trafficking campaign, appoints Goodwill Ambassadors

The Government of Nigeria, jointly with UNODC and the European Union has launched a nationwide three-year anti-human trafficking campaign. Entitled "I am Priceless", the campaign aims to raise awareness on the reality, dangers and possible impact of irregular migration, either by being smuggled or being a victim of trafficking in persons. UNODC also appointed two Nigerian celebrities, Joke Silva and Jude Abaga as Goodwill Ambassadors to spearhead activities around the campaign, particularly amongst the young and vulnerable.

Read more here.

2 October 2012

UNODC launches test of migrant smuggling data collection system

The UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific launched on 1 October a pilot program to gather information on migrant smuggling and on irregular migration. More than 10 countries from Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America will participate in the pilot phase of UNODC's Voluntary Reporting System on Migrant Smuggling and Related Conduct (VRS-MSRC). Developed in close consultation with law enforcement authorities from countries and international organizations in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, the VRS-MSRC is an internet-based, secure IT solution that facilitates the collection, sharing, and use for analytical purposes of data.

Read more here.

27 September 2012

Trade of Innocents: Film captures reality of child trafficking for sexual exploitation

UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov attended a preview screening of Trade of Innocents, a film that exposes the grim reality of children trafficked for sexual exploitation.

Read more here.

 

27 September 2012

On World Tourism Day, UNODC chief calls for more efforts to tackle trafficking for sexual exploitation

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, marked today, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov highlighted the important role that the tourism industry can play in combating human trafficking for sexual and other exploitation. The World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism calls on governments to combat exploitation through the national legislation of both the countries visited and the countries of the perpetrators of these acts, even when such acts are carried out abroad.

Read more here.

06 September 2012

Smuggling of migrants generates billions each year for criminals

Each year, criminals are estimated to generate around $6.75 billion from the smuggling of migrants along just two of the principal routes used for such smuggling, namely from East, North and West Africa to Europe and from South America to North America. As a form of transnational organized crime, the smuggling of migrants is the subject of a new campaign by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Read more here.

21 August 2012

UNODC reports on migrant smuggling patterns in 14 Asian countries

Against a backdrop of limited information on migrant smuggling and irregular migration, UNODC launched today two reports which, for the very first time, consolidate existing research literature on migrant smuggling in 14 countries across Asia.

The reports, Migrant Smuggling in Asia: A Thematic Review of Literature and the accompanying Annotated Bibliography , provide a systematic review of available empirical knowledge on smuggling of migrants. These resources identify gaps in what is known about the smuggling of migrants around, in and out of Asia into Europe, North America and Australia and the Pacific.

Read more here.

14 August 2012

UNODC assumes chair of the Global Migration Group

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) officially assumed the chairmanship of the Global Migration Group (GMG) on 1 July 2012, for a period of six months.

The GMG is an inter-agency group bringing together heads of international organizations to promote the wider application of all relevant international and regional instruments and norms relating to migration, and to encourage the adoption of more coherent, comprehensive and better coordinated approaches to the issue of international migration.

Read more here.

04 July 2012

Cambodia : UN Trust Fund helps NGO to reintegrate children trafficked for exploitation

The thriving cross-border trade in Poipet, a Cambodian town on the Cambodia - Thailand border, attracts many migrant families from other parts of Cambodia. However, the lack of actual job opportunities has led to high unemployment rates and widespread poverty, with most residents earning one dollar a day or less. Child labour is widespread, not only in Poipet, but also through child trafficking and unsafe migration where children from Cambodia are taken across borders to work as beggars and street sellers in Bangkok. Read more here.

18 June 2012

India: Border guards - critical stakeholders in combating human trafficking

UNODC has brought together, for the first time, Indian actors manning the Indo-Bangladesh border and the Indo-Nepal border. In collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and the Border Security Force (BSF), UNODC organized a 'National Level Training Workshop for border control officers, front line officers and other relevant actors in victim identification and referral for appropriate treatment and reintegration of trafficked survivors'. The three day workshop with 40 participants took place from 6 to 8 June at the Border Security Force (BSF) Head Quarters in Siliguri, North Bengal. Read more here.

11 June 2012

Albania: Fifteen-year-old girl gets her life back after being trafficked

Ana, a teenage girl from Albania, was only 2 years old when her parents divorced. Ana was sent to live with her father's new family, but when conditions at home became too harsh for her, she decided to run away. Barely into her teens, alone and without any money, the young girl met two boys who promised to help her find a job as a "hostess" in Kosovo. Their only condition was that she had to do everything they told her, no questions asked. Read more here.

05 June 2012

Moldova: UN Trust Fund supports provision of legal assistance to victims of human trafficking

When Dana read an ad from a travel agency inviting women from the Republic of Moldova to spend a summer in Italy working as waitresses in a nightclub, she did not think twice about seizing the opportunity. The 19-year-old had long dreamed of going to Italy; now she could do so - and even earn good money. Dana responded to the ad and soon after made the fateful journey from her country, nestled between Ukraine and Romania, west to Italy. Upon arrival, Dana found herself trapped in a nightmare.

Read more here.

29 May 2012

First capacity building workshop for criminal justice practitioners on money laundering and the smuggling of migrants held in Cameroon

First Workshop on Combating Money Laundering related to the Smuggling of Migrants held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Mai 2012 - between 7 and 9 May.

Read more here.

15 May 2012

Brazil to document cases of human trafficking in public global database

In order to enhance national action and contribute to the international effort to fight human trafficking, the UNODC Regional Office for Brazil and the Southern Cone, together with the Brazilian National Justice Council (CNJ) and the National Secretary for Justice (SNJ) have committed to collecting and disseminating information regarding all judicial action in Brazil on human trafficking through the UNODC global Human Trafficking Case Law Database.

It is expected that by the end of 2012 at least 50 Brazilian judicial proceedings will be documented in the UNODC Case Law Database.

Read more here.

27 April 2012

Crime Commission tackles migrant smuggling, a growing humanitarian problem

International efforts to tackle the smuggling of migrants took centre stage during the 21st session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which concluded today with a draft resolution to promote efforts to eliminate violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families. The Resolution strongly condemns continuing criminal acts against migrants, migrant workers and their families in all regions of the world, including criminal acts of violence motivated by racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Read more here.

24 April 2012

United Nations organizations cooperate to stamp out human trafficking and sex tourism

Taking a firm stand against human trafficking, especially child trafficking, in the tourism sector, the heads of two United Nations bodies today pledged to stamp out this hidden scourge through joint efforts. Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), also called for concerted global action at every level of society.

17 April 2012

UNODC and International Organization for Migration sign agreement for closer cooperation

UNODC and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today signed an agreement in which they pledged closer cooperation to tackle human trafficking and migrant smuggling and to improve border management, bearing in mind the cross-cutting theme of corruption. The memorandum of understanding was signed by IOM Director General William Lacy Swing and UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov.

17 April 2012

UNODC and European Union border management agency sign cooperation agreement

UNODC and Frontex, the European Union agency for cooperation on border management, today signed a working arrangement aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two agencies in the field of crime prevention and human security.

16 April 2012

Portugal joins Blue Heart campaign against human trafficking

Portugal is the latest European country to join the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking. At any given time, an estimated 140,000 victims of human trafficking are trapped in this vicious cycle of violence, abuse and degradation across Europe. UNODC research shows that victims are often duped by a recruiter who is a relative, a supposed friend or someone they trust.

Read more here.

05 April 2012

Informal Donor Briefing on the Global Programme against the Smuggling of Migrants

Outlining its ongoing efforts to assist countries in tackling migrant smuggling, UNODC held an informal briefing on the Global Programme against the Smuggling of Migrants in Vienna, on 30 March 2012.

The meeting was very well received by the attending state representatives who suggested more such meetings be held to generate an open dialogue between States Parties and UNODC on the challenges, global priorities, and needs of the organisation to support the implementation of the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air additional to the United Nations Convention against the Transnational Organized Crime.

Read more here.

04 April 2012

UNODC assists Ghana to enhance its response against the smuggling of migrants

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), faced with growing concerns over the extent of the crime of smuggling of migrants both as an origin and as a transit country, launched the EU funded project 'Countering Human Smuggling & Other Irregular Migration'. Familiar with the work of UNODC as a contributor to the development of the Basic and In-Depth Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting the Smuggling of Migrants and of the Training Film Ways and Means, the GIS asked the UNODC Global Programme against the Smuggling of Migrants to support the implementation of their project by providing technical expertise to enhance GIS capacity to respond to the smuggling of migrants.

Read more here.

03 April 2012

UN General Assembly President calls for redoubled efforts to end human trafficking

The President of the 66th United Nations General Assembly His Excellency Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser today called on Member States, civil society, the private sector and the media to step up efforts to bring an end to human trafficking, calling it "an appalling form of human rights abuse". "Human trafficking denies individuals their dignity, reducing them to mere objects by shamelessly exploiting them," he said.

29 March 2012

The Joint UN Commentary on EU Directive on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in human beings is launched at the European Parliament

On 28 March 2012 the joint UN Commentary on selected articles of the EU Directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims was launched at the European Parliament.

Working together six United Nations agencies (UNODC, UNHCR, OHCHR, UNICEF, ILO and UN Women) have published a commentary on selected articles of the EU Directive 2011/36/EU.

Reade more here.

25 March 2012

Remembering the victims of slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

25 March 2012 marks the fifth International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

In commemoration of the memory of those victimized, the General Assembly, in its resolution 62/122 of 17 December 2007, declared 25 March the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade observed annually.

22 March 2012

Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling: Building Cooperation in Pakistan

On a rare occasion, 35 senior officials of Federal and provincial governments, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), provincial police Home Departments, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Human Rights and the Ministry of Human Resources Development, sat side by side to explore strategies to better combat the crimes of smuggling of persons and trafficking in persons at a UNODC hosted workshop, "Strategic Dialogue on Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons".

07 March 2012

Launch of UNODC Strategy on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling

Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants are global problems affecting states everywhere, and the well-being of countless individuals around the world. Having worked on these issues since the late 1990s, UNODC has now issued a comprehensive strategy setting out the complementary nature of UNODC's work in preventing and combating both human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and defining the immediate priorities for UNODC's future action and engagement on these crimes.

Read more here.

21 February 2012

Intelligence is key to fighting migrant smuggling: UNODC provides analysis training for law enforcers in Asia

Bangkok (Thailand), 21 February 2012 - Migrant smuggling is an organized criminal activity that operates across borders. It threatens countries' security, makes smuggled migrants vulnerable to exploitation and human trafficking, and generates enormous profits for the criminals involved, who face little risk of detection and punishment. Migrant smuggling networks are highly organized, professional and flexible, constantly changing routes and methods in response to law enforcement measures.
To assist government efforts to craft an effective, coordinated response, the UNODC Regional Training Programme on Operational and Strategic Analysis on Migrant Smuggling held a first round of workshops that brought to Thailand 54 law enforcement and immigration personnel from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam and the Pacific Immigration Directors' Conference (PIDC) for training in operational and strategic analysis of migrant smuggling.

13 February 2012

Now available: International Framework for Action to Implement the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol

The International Framework for Action to Implement the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol is now available. The Framework for Action is a technical assistance tool that aims to support effective implementation of the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United (Smuggling of Migrants Protocol), supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

The purpose of this tool is to assist Member States and non-state actors in identifying and addressing gaps in their response to migrant smuggling in accordance with international standards. The Framework for Action unpacks provisions of the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol, drawing upon international instruments, political commitments, guidelines and best practices to enable the implementation of a comprehensive response to migrant smuggling.

Read more here.

18 January 2012

UNODC and London-based watchmakers in timely partnership to help victims of human trafficking

Backes and Strauss, the London-based watchmakers, have decided to support UNODC in raising funds for victims of human trafficking by launching an exclusive line of "Victoria Blue Heart watches". The watches were launched yesterday at a special event at the Hotel des Bergues, Geneva.

16 January 2012

India: Psychosocial care for women in shelter homes - a dire need for trafficking survivors

To improve the quality of care provided to women in shelter homes, UNODC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), a renowned mental health institution in Bangalore, India had initiated a capacity building programme for caregivers in Government-run shelter homes for women.

29 December 2011

The EU Directive on Trafficking in Human Beings - A Joint UN Commentary

Working together six United Nations agencies (UNODC, UNHCR, OHCHR, UNICEF, ILO and UN Women) have published a commentary on selected articles of the EU Directive 2011/36/EU.

Over the past decade, the European Union has stepped up its efforts to fight human trafficking strengthening its focus on prevention and protection of victims. The adoption of the 2011 Directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, replacing Council Framework Decision, is the most recent sign of the continued commitment of the European Union in this field. The Directive represents a critical step in addressing human trafficking comprehensively.

28 December 2011

Blue for good: fashion with a conscience for victims of human trafficking

As part of its efforts to forge partnerships with the private sector, the UNODC Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking has entered into a joint venture with luxury fashion label Beulah London, a socially conscious brand which, through the manufacture of its fashion items, works with women who have escaped the sex trade in India.

21 December 2011

UNODC and IOM partner on an awareness seminar on consular services and human trafficking issues

UNODC and IOM emphasised the need for a multidimensional, coordinated approach on trafficking in persons including the prevention and victim support services as one of the most exigent issues in human trafficking, at a workshop that took place in Tirana, Albania during 14 to16 December 2011

20 December 2011

Lebanon joins the Blue Heart campaign against human trafficking

High-level representatives of the Government of Lebanon led government officials, local non-governmental organizations, media and UNODC staff in the official launch of the Blue Heart Campaign in Beirut last weekend. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Masood Karimipour, Regional Representative of the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, said: "We are very pleased to note that Lebanon is the first country in the region to join the Blue Heart campaign."

19 December 2011

New UNODC paper sheds light on smuggling of migrants by sea

As the world marked the International Migrants Day on 18 December, UNODC released an issue paper on smuggling of migrants by sea. The paper discusses the international legal framework on smuggling of migrants by sea; the current responses and challenges thereof; as well as recommendations to strengthen responses. While smuggling by sea accounts only for a small portion of overall migrant smuggling around the world, more deaths occur at sea than any other form of migrant smuggling.

02 December 2011

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others ( resolution 317(IV) of 2 December 1949).

17 November 2011

Voluntary reporting system on migrant smuggling in support of the Bali Process

An international database on migrant smuggling came closer to reality as law enforcement officials from Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America met to review UNODC's work on setting up a voluntary migrant smuggling reporting system.

The system will allow source, transit and destination states to collect and share data and to then use it to develop effective and comprehensive evidence-based policies to address migrant smuggling, a low-risk, high-profit crime.

03 November 2011

In-Depth Training Manual on smuggling of migrants now available online

The UNODC In-depth training manual on investigating and prosecuting the smuggling of migrants is the product of criminal justice expertise gathered from around the world.
The diversity of those involved in the process of elaborating the Manual reflects its target audience of criminal justice practitioners including investigators, examining judges, investigating judges, prosecutors, magistrates, law enforcement officers, border agents and all other professionals who are involved in the criminal justice system.

01 November 2011

UNODC and UNHCR sign memorandum of understanding to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling

UNODC and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at furthering joint cooperation in combating human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. The memorandum, which was signed by UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov and UNHCR High Commissioner António Guterres, is the first formal cooperation agreement between the two United Nations entities.

25 October 2011

Basic Training Manual to investigate and prosecute the smuggling of migrants adapted for Central American and Mexican law enforcement authorities

Prosecutors and police officials from the Central American states, Mexico and Spain attended a three day workshop with the aim of adapting the UNODC Basic Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling to the region´s context.

10 October 2011

UNODC launches first global database of human trafficking cases

Human trafficking is a truly global phenomenon and a crime which affects nearly every part of the world, whether as a source, transit or destination country. According to UNODC, victims from at least 127 countries have been detected and it is estimated that more than 2.4 million people are exploited by criminals at any given time. More than a decade after the adoption of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, most countries have criminalized most forms of human trafficking in their legislation.

23 September 2011

Working Group on Trafficking in October 2011

The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime held in October 2010 decided in its resolution 5/2 that the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons should continue to advise and assist it in the implementation of its mandate with regard to the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. The fourth session of the Trafficking Working Group will be held in Vienna, Austria from 10 to 12 October 2011.

23 September 2011

Integrated and sustained efforts are key in ending human trafficking

Speaking at two separate yet related events this week on the issue of human trafficking, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov reiterated the need for sustained efforts in fighting this crime at all levels: "It is only through working together from the community-level right through to the international arena that we can break this crime and put an end to human trafficking."

20 September 2011

Expert Group Meeting on Migrant Smuggling by Sea

UNODC hosted an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on Smuggling of Migrants by Sea to discuss challenges in preventing and combating the phenomenon of migrant smuggling by sea, and develop practical recommendations to support the finalization of an issue paper...

09 September 2011

Querétaro: the world's first 'Blue Heart City'

In a move aimed at bolstering national efforts to combat and prevent human trafficking, Mexico became the first country in the world to adopt the UNODC-led Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking in April 2010. As an international symbol to promote the rights of human trafficking victims, the Campaign encourages officials, civil society and members of the public across the globe to take a stand against what is a form of modern-day slavery. Last month, the city of Querétaro became the world's first municipality to join the Blue Heart Campaign.

26 August 2011

Human Trafficking First Aid Kit for Law Enforcement Agencies released as a sample carry case

The UNODC Human Trafficking First Aid Kit for Law Enforcement Agencies has been designed to support front-line officers who may come into contact with cases of human trafficking.

As well as a full e-version, the First Aid Kit has been released as a sample, or demonstration model carry case containing different types of concise yet useful information, providing guidance to first responders, who can play a vital role in determining the fate of a trafficked person by identifying indicators of human trafficking.

The First Aid Kit has been designed by the UNODC Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Unit in response to the need identified by many practitioners in different regions of the world to make easy-to-use information available to all law enforcement officers, to increase the identification of trafficked persons.

Read more and download the full package of the First Aid Kit here.

23 August 2011

Human Trafficking Training Film - Affected for Life - Language Versions Available

Affected for Life promotes awareness of human trafficking. The film is targeted at prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officers and other specialized audiences, and illustrates the elements and different forms of human trafficking. The film is available in both full-length and abbreviated versions in English, with other official UN languages versions to follow.

22 August 2011

Model Law on Smuggling of Migrants available in Arabic - English - French - Russian - Spanish

The Model law against Smuggling of Migrants has been developed to assist States in implementing the provisions contained in the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. It aims to facilitate the review and amendment of existing legislation as well as the adoption of new legislation.

 

04 August 2011

Reinforcing Mexico's response to human trafficking: President Calderón recognizes role of Blue Heart Campaign
I n a move to toughen the law against human trafficking in Mexico, President Felipe Calderón recently signed a draft amendment to three articles of the country's Political Constitution. During a ceremony held at the official residence, President Calderón noted that the constitutional amendments would provide more protection for victims of human trafficking and afford Mexico better tools and laws to counter that crime in an efficient and coordinated manner.

 

27 July 2011

UN Postal Administration wins best stamps award for human trafficking and child labour issues

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has won a prestigious award for two stamp editions which highlight human trafficking and child labour. At the ceremony for the forty-first Asiago International Awards for Philatelic Art, held in Italy on 17 July, UNPA received the prize for "best stamps in the world" for 2010. The winning stamp sheets highlighted "Human Trafficking - Blue Heart Campaign (UNODC)" by UNPA Vienna and "Against Child Labour (ILO and GenevaWorld)" by UNPA Geneva.

 

21 July 2011

Training Workshop for Egyptian Police Officers on Combating Trafficking in Persons

In the framework of the project on "Strengthening the criminal justice capacity to disrupt key human trafficking routes in Egypt, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan", a training workshop for 30 Egyptian police officers was held by the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. The meeting took place at the Police Academy in Cairo, Egypt from 18 to 20 July 2011. The training workshop was based on the modules of the UNODC
Anti-Human Trafficking Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners and aimed at strengthening the capacity of police officers both as first responders to human trafficking and as investigators of trafficking in persons cases.

15 July 2011

India's journey of hope: UNODC showcases inspiring initiatives to fight human trafficking

Balmani - a young girl from the rural part of Jharkhand (a State with a high number of human trafficking victims) who received livelihood training in housekeeping and is now able to support her mother's medical treatment. Chandni - a 14-year-old girl from Kishanganj, Bihar (another major source State for human trafficking), who narrowly escaped being sold to a 45-year-old stranger for marriage.

 

29 June 2011

India: Significance of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) to address human trafficking

In May 2011, Government of India ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its three protocols. India is one of the five countries in South Asia, including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and very recently Nepal, to ratify the UNTOC.

On the occasion of the Indian Government ratifying the UNTOC, UNODC interviewed the Union Home Secretary, Mr G K Pillai, to understand the significance of the UNTOC and its three protocols for India, especially in the context of addressing human trafficking in the country and South Asia.

Read more here

20 June 2011

Protect human rights and workers' rights to end labour exploitation

 

Inequalities in income, education and opportunities are major root causes of human trafficking, inducing many to migrate to seek for a better life. Thousands of migrants instead become victims of labour exploitation, a new form of slavery that occurs on a massive scale. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is hosting a conference entitled "Preventing Trafficking in Human Beings for Labour Exploitation: Decent Work and Social Justice".

Read more here

08 June 2011

UNODC holds a Training Workshop for Egyptian Prosecutors on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling

UNODC holds a Training Workshop for Egyptian Prosecutors on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling A training workshop for 25 Egyptian prosecutors on the investigation and prosecution of migrant cases was held by the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt during the period 24 to 26 May 2011.

Read more here

30 May 2011

The role of organized crime in the smuggling of migrants from West Africa to the European Union

A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) investigates the involvement of organized criminal groups in the smuggling of migrants from West Africa towards the European Union (EU). Information in the report was compiled by a team of researchers from West Africa and Europe using both documentary studies and field research conducted in Mali, the Niger, Nigeria and Spain.

Read more here

12 May 2011

Countering migrant smuggling in South-East Asia

Hanoi (Viet Nam) - From 10 to 12 May 2011, a Computer-Based Training (CBT) Needs Analysis Workshop on Smuggling of Migrants was conducted in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The workshop was held in order to gather valuable insights into the migrants smuggling situation in South-East Asia and consequently, identify the training needs for law enforcement officers.

Read more here

28 April 2011

Legal and Policy Review: Responses to Human Trafficking in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka

Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka have all taken steps in the right direction to combat human trafficking; however, there is a need to look closely at country specific laws to understand where the gaps lie. It is in the light of this, that a Legal and Policy Review of Responses to Human Trafficking has been taken up.

Read more here

14 April 2011

UNODC Goodwill Ambassador and Thai anti-human trafficking champion tell of UN small grant opportunity for NGOs

Bangkok (Thailand), Press Briefing on the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking.

Read more here

11 April 2011

Side Event on Trafficking for Forced Labour and Labour Exploitation

During the 20th Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations (HEUNI), the Permanent Mission of Finland and UNODC organized a side event to present a new HEUNI three country study.

Read more here

11 April 2011

Crime Commission to address protection of children from exploitation on the web

Progress in international efforts to address transnational organized crime, will be the focus of the twentieth session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice taking place in Vienna from 11 to 15 April. The Commission will devote a special session on the misuse of technology in the abuse and exploitation of children.

Read more here

06 April 2011

Issue Paper - Transnational Organized Crime in the Fishing Industry

UNODC initiated a study as part of its Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Issue Papers Series on the occurrence of Transnational Organized Crime in the Fishing Industry. The study posed the questions whether there is transnational organized crime and other criminal activity in the fishing industry and, if so, what the vulnerabilities of the fishing industry are to transnational organized crime or other criminal activity.

Read more here

05 April 2011

Read more here

25 March 2011

Remembering the victims of slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

On the occasion of the fourth International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, UNODC observes the Day also from its work to combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling.

Read more here.

09 March 2011

Experts meet in Vienna to discuss the involvement of Transnational Organized Crime in the Fishing Industry

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) headquarters hosted an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) to discuss the involvement of Transnational Organized Crime in the Fishing Industry and contribute to the finalization of a study on this topic.

Read more here.

03 March 2011

Hollywood actress and United Nations launch grants fund for human trafficking victims

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) announced a new small grants facility for victims of human trafficking, a symbolic move given that two-thirds of trafficking victims are women and children.

Read more here.

17 February 2011

UNODC provides regular training at NATO School on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants and their impact on security

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the guardian of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), and the Protocols thereto. In this regard, UNODC in cooperation with NATO and the NATO School supports the implementation in practice of the Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Protocols.

Read more here.

26 January 2011

Final Expert Group Meeting to draft In-depth Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling held in Pretoria

From 18 January to 20 January 2011 the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office Southern Africa hosted the final Expert Group Meeting (EGM) for the drafting of an In-depth Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting the Smuggling of Migrants in Pretoria, South Africa.

Read more here.

21 January 2011

Joining forces to fight a deadly business: UNODC hosts workshop to address the common challenges of migrant smuggling

From 8 to 10 December, 39 law enforcement experts participated in an inter-regional workshop on improving evidence-based knowledge on migrant smuggling from, through and within South-East Asia, which took place in Bangkok. Working in the fields of investigations, data collection and analysis on migrant smuggling, the experts came from Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Maldives, Pakistan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Viet Nam as well as from the European Law Enforcement Organisation (Europol), the world's largest international police organization (INTERPOL), the Pacific Immigration Directors' Conference (PIDC) and UNODC.

Read more here.

19 January 2011

UNODC Anti-Trafficking Tools: Impact in Central America/ UNODC Manuales contra la trata de personas: Impacto en América Central

Tools developed by UNODC within the global programmes on trafficking person and smuggling of migrants are developed in such a way that they are practical and can be used to support the activities against these crimes. They can also serve as basis for adaptation to specific regional requirements an example of such an adaptation are two manuals developed by the UNODC regional office for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Read more here.

10 January 2011

Appropriate Legal Responses to Combating Trafficking in Persons in Afghanistan

Read more here.

04 January 2011

Rani: an unwavering advocate for freedom from slavery and human trafficking

With more than 2.4 million people held captive across the world, human trafficking has become one of today's major crimes and issues of social concern. Virtually every country in the world is affected by this crime, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.

Read more here.

20 December 2010

Workshop on Combating Money Laundering Related to Human Trafficking in Sana'a

Between 11 and 13 December, the UNODC Global Programme against Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and the Financing of Terrorism (GPML) and the UNODC Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Unit partnered with the Yemeni National Committee for AML/CFT to present a workshop on money laundering related to proceeds from human trafficking.

Read more here.

17 December 2010

On Migrants Day, UNODC unveils tools to help States address plight of smuggled and trafficked victims

People leave their counties for a variety of reasons, whether social, economic, political or religious. Throughout history, migrants have overcome adversity and found a better life elsewhere. Today, globalization has greatly increased the numbers of aspiring migrants.

Read more here.

13 December 2010

International Organizations United against Trafficking in Persons

The United Nations and key relevant international organizations launched a first joint publication detailing recommendations for coordinated future action to combat trafficking in persons during the 6 ^th meeting of the Inter-agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT).

Read more here.

11 December 2010

Private sector crucial in fight against human trafficking

With more than 2.4 million people held captive across the world, human trafficking has become one of today's major crimes and issues of social concern.

To find new ways to tackle this scourge, the 'End Human Trafficking Now: Enforcing the UN Protocol Luxor International Forum' kicked off today bringing together policy makers, civil society and business leaders from around the world.

Read more here.

08 December 2010

A Compendium of Best Practices: UNODC launches the Toolkit to Combat Smuggling of Migrants

The First Edition Toolkit to Combat Smuggling of Migrants is designed as a compendium of promising practices that States can adopt as measures to counteract organized criminal syndicates, address the vulnerability of smuggled migrants, amongst the many other factors that States face in implementing the Migrant Smuggling Protocol.

Read more here.

02 December 2010

Addressing Trafficking in Persons since 1949

After about half a century, the most recent global effort to address this crime at the international level has been the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime which entered in force on 25 December 2003. The Trafficking in Persons Protocol for the first time provides a universally agreed upon definition of trafficking in persons. It addresses human trafficking as a crime including all forms of exploitation and all types of victims, seeking to balance law enforcement action with the rights of victims.

Read more here.

01 December 2010

Developing & Strengthening National Legislation: UNODC launches the Model Law against the Smuggling of Migrants

When natural disasters and conflict create unsafe situations for the people affected, and as unemployment and poverty increase, demand for movement far exceeds the possibilities to cross borders legally. The need for people to move may be exacerbated by human rights violations and persecution. Migrant smugglers supply to this demand, preying on vulnerable people for profit, often putting their safety and life at stake. Virtually every country in the world is affected by smuggling-related crimes. The challenge for all countries, rich and poor, is to target the criminals who exploit desperate people, and to protect and assist victims of trafficking and smuggled migrants, many of whom endure unimaginable hardships in their bid for a better life.

Read more here.

17 November 2010

An Exploration of Promising Practices in Response to Human Trafficking

The identification of concrete actions to help prevent human trafficking and support trafficking victims is an issue facing policy makers and practitioners at all levels. UNODC recently provided expert input to a provincial authority evaluating local actions and trying to bench mark these internationally.

Read more here.

11 November 2010

A United Voice to the Protection of Migrants

The vital work of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and others to respond to the complex and wide-ranging issues relating to migration, including trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, has been underlined at the world's foremost migration forum.

In her keynote speech Ms Navi Pillay, as Chair of the Global Migration forum (GMG), at the Fourth Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Mexico on 10 November 2010 stressed the need for international organizations to work constructively with Governments, civil society, social partners, national human rights institutions and other stakeholders, to respond to the multiple and multifaceted challenges presented by international migration. The speech also stated that migrants in irregular situations are oftentimes prone to exploitation by trafficking and smuggling organized crime groups.

Read more here.

05 November 2010

Experts discuss interventions and recommendations to improve access to compensation for trafficked persons

Compensation and redress to justice for victims of trafficking has wider implications in the fight against trafficking in persons. On a societal and moral level, it is symbolic to acknowledge the pain and suffering of victims. On a practical level, receipt of compensation provides victims with the finances to rebuild their lives. On a retributive level, when compensation is derived from seized assets of traffickers, this mechanism should work to punish and a deter perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Read more here.

04 November 2010

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher join Secretary-General to launch Trust Fund for victims of human trafficking

In a bid to help the victims of human trafficking, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today launched the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons with Hollywood stars and humanitarian activists Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Joining them were Joseph Deiss, President of the General Assembly, Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC, former trafficking victims, and New York Times journalist-author and Pulitzer Prize-winner Nicholas Kristof.

Read more here.

28 October 2010

Side Event on the Arab Initiative to combat human trafficking

The Side Event on the Arab Initiative to combat human trafficking took place during the Fifth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime Conference (UNTOC) on 21 October 2010.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Governments of the Arab States to share information on the situation of human trafficking in their countries, related needs and ongoing efforts and cooperation.

Read more here.

11 October 2010

Narrowing the knowledge gap on migrant smuggling in Cambodia

Advocating "evidence-based" policy development, UNODC this year launched its Coordination and Analysis Unit on migrant smuggling, which aims to establish a regional and institutional mechanism to collect and analyse data on migrant smuggling within, through and from South-East Asia.

On 20 September, a joint working group meeting of representatives from the Government of Cambodia and UNODC was held to determine the steps that need to be taken in order to successfully implement the coordination and analysis project in Cambodia.

Read more here.

06 October 2010

Strengthening law enforcement capacity in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of migrant smuggling

A three-day expert group meeting was held in Bangkok from 27 to 29 September.

The aim of the meeting was for the expert working group to discuss the elaboration of an in-depth training manual on investigating migrant smuggling and prosecuting offenders of that crime.

The finalized manual will make it easier to transfer expertise and best practices, and thereby strengthen the capacity of law enforcement authorities all over the world to deal with this issue.

Read more here.

04 October 2010

Bangkok Statement on Migration and Development calls for reducing impunity of migrant smugglers and human traffickers

From 22 to 24 September 2010, representatives of 31 Governments in Asia and the Pacific met in Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Global Forum on Migration and Development 2010. On the last day of the meeting, the participants adopted the Bangkok Statement on Migration and Development.

The Bangkok Statement is to be submitted to the Global Forum on Migration and Development, to be held from 8 to 11 November 2010, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Read more here.

27 September 2010

India: A pledge and a commitment for safe and honorable tourism

On Monday, 27 September, one week before the official inauguration of the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, the Ministry of Tourism called for a pledge signing ceremony at the Hotel Ashok, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, the Hon'ble Minister of Tourism and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja said, "Through signing of this pledge on Safe & Honorable Tourism we are conveying a strong message to the world that neither we nor our organizations will be party to activities that exploit women and children.

Read more here.

23 September 2010

International community broadens efforts to help victims of human trafficking

23 September - The Group of Friends against Human Trafficking, a coalition of 20 countries, held its first ministerial meeting in New York to step up efforts against modern-day slavery.

Lending his weight to the initiative, Mr. Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of UNODC, lauded "the Group's commitment to promote decisive actions at national, regional and international levels to strengthen the fight against trafficking in persons".

Read more here.

15 September 2010

India: the bond of freedom

Interview with Mr Saju Mathew, National Director, International Justice Mission, India

Recently UNODC interviewed Mr. Mathew to understand what bonded labor means, its links to human trafficking and how to combat it.

UNODC: You have been working for International Justice Mission (IJM) for a while. Could you briefly explain the work of IJM in India?

IJM: IJM's mission is to secure justice for victims of violent oppression, and in India, we've found that this oppression often takes one of two forms: forced prostitution or bonded labour.

Read more here.

08 September 2010

In Colombia, beauty pageant contestants get involved in fighting human trafficking

In Colombia, organized criminals have clearly taken advantage of the national obsession with beauty pageants: a study conducted in 2009 by the National University of Colombia, the Ministry of the Interior and of Justice and UNODC found that modelling and beauty competitions were the most widely employed means used by traffickers to lure young women into exploitative situations, including for the purpose of prostitution.

Read more here.

01 September 2010

United Nations launches global plan of action against human trafficking

The United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons was adopted by the General Assembly on 30 July to urge Governments worldwide to take coordinated and consistent measures to try to defeat the scourge.

The Plan calls for integrating the fight against human trafficking into the United Nations' broader programmes to boost development and strengthen security around the world.

It also calls for the setting up of a United Nations voluntary trust fund for victims of trafficking, especially women and children.

Read more here.

27 August 2010

The Body Shop and ECPAT in association with UNODC organize mega event on Prevention of Human Trafficking called "BIG STOP - Petition Launch"

The Body Shop and ECPAT UK (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) have launched a global campaign to stop human trafficking and to provide care and protection for children rescued from trafficking by signing on a petition.

As part of the global campaign already launched in various parts of the world, the Body Shop in India and the Regional UNODC Office for South Asia will launch the campaign in India on 27 August 2010 at 4 pm in The Atrium, Select City Walk Mall, New Delhi, India.

High profile supporters and celebrities from all over the world have been providing their handprints to show their support of the campaign, including Robert Pattinson, Joanna Lumley, Sienna Miller, Yoko Ono and Rob Lowe. For this event in India, famous Bollywood actresses - Ms. Chitrangda Singh and Ms. Nafisa Ali along with Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Representative for South Asia will participate at the launch.

Read more here.

19 August 2010

UNODC South Asia - India: Freedom Express - a girl rescued from the brothels boards train to return home

Kakoli is a survivor of human trafficking rescued recently by the Delhi Police and Shakti Vahini, a non profit organisation, from the largest 'red light' district in New Delhi, also known as the Garstin Bastion (G.B.) Road. UNODC met her at the railway station to learn about her real story - how she was trafficked to and treated at the brothels and about her miraculous escape.

Read more here.

13 August 2010

UNODC boosts Cambodian border control capacity

The growing volume of trade between Cambodia and its neighbouring countries means that Cambodian border officers, often operating with poor facilities, insufficient specialized knowledge and limited budget, are requested to carry out timely and effective controls on increasing human and vehicle traffic.

Criminal networks take advantage of these loopholes at the borders to smuggle migrants and to traffic in drugs, wildlife, forest products and hazardous waste, as well as human beings.

Read more here.

04 August 2010

Indonesia to participate in reviewing implementation of the Organized Crime Convention

Indonesia has ratified the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the Convention, on 28 September 2009 and has volunteered to be one of the 13 States, together with Chile, Colombia, Egypt, France, El Salvador, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Romania, Serbia, and the United States of America, to participate in the pilot programme.

Read more here.

30 July 2010

Human trafficking is a crime that strips people of their rights,exploits people's dream of a better future, robs people of their dignity.It can cause physical and psychological damage it can even kill.

BAN KI- Moon, 19 September 2007

General Assembly Adopts Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Reaffirming Commitment on Protecting Victims, Prosecuting Perpetrators

The General Assembly (GA) this afternoon adopted by consensus, as orally revised, a resolution on the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, deciding also to establish a trust fund for victims, especially women and children.

The Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons would be launched formally in a one-day, high-level meeting in the near future, the Assembly decided, as the resolution reaffirmed the commitment by Member States to end the "heinous crime", to protect and assist victims, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote partnerships to strengthen cooperation for those purposes.

Read more here.

Click here to view the GA page on human trafficking.

12 to 13 July 2010

Senior Experts meet in Vienna to discuss first draft of the International Framework for Action to Implement the Migrant Smuggling Protocol

From 12 July to 13 July 2010, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) headquarters hosted an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) to review draft material to include into the forthcoming Framework for Action to Implement the Migrant Smuggling Protocol. This initiative follows on from UNODC's work in 2009 to develop the International Framework for Action to Implement the Trafficking in Person Protocol, a technical assistance tool that supports United Nations Member States in the effective implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (United Nations Trafficking Protocol), supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

Read more here.

28 to 30 June 2010

UNODC hosts an expert group meeting (EGM) to address trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal

From 28-30 June 2010, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) hosted an expert group meeting (EGM) to address trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal. The key purpose of the meeting was to develop materials to assess this form of trafficking. The EGM saw the participation of experienced experts from different regions of the world, of various professional backgrounds including; medical health care, criminal justice, law enforcement and academia.

Read more here.

21 to 25 June 2010

High level experts from origin, transit and destination countries gather in Vienna to enhance the capacity to prevent and combat the smuggling of migrants

From 21 June to 25 June 2010, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) hosted an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) that brought together over twenty law enforcement and criminal justice practitioners to further elaborate an In-depth Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling.

The EGM was conducted at UNODC's Headquarters in Vienna. The meeting was made possible through funding received from the European Union.

Experts came from various regions including West and South Africa, South Asia and the Pacific, Western and Eastern Europe, North, Central and South America, guaranteeing representation from various legal systems and from origin, transit and destination countries.

Read more here.

06 July 2010

UNODC launches Literature Review to discuss the Smuggling of Migrants into, through and from North Africa

The publication, Smuggling of migrants into, through and from North Africa: A thematic review and annotated bibliography of recent publications is the second in a series of unique publications produced by UNODC. The initial publication, Global Review on Migrant Smuggling gave an overarching analysis of existing literature on migrant smuggling at a global level. The current publication focuses primarily on the patterns and dynamics of migrant smuggling, as it concerns the North African region. Recognizing, however, that irregular migration and smuggling flows are transnational in nature, the review goes beyond North Africa, to also cover sub- Saharan African and European countries affected along the various smuggling routes.

Read more here

01 July 2010

UNODC launches Basic Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting the Smuggling of Migrants

UNODC's Basic Training Manual on Investigating and Prosecuting the Smuggling of Migrants was launched during a side-event to the 19th Annual Crime Commission held in Vienna 17-19 May 2010.

Against the backdrop of the smuggling of Migrants Protocol, and as part of a larger, comprehensive response, UNODC launched a process in 2008 to elaborate basic training modules on preventing and combating the smuggling of migrants. The process was undertaken in cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the European Police Office (Europol) and the United Kingdom Police Organization (SOCA) and, most importantly, with the active participation of experienced practitioners working all over the world to investigate and prosecute those who smuggle migrants. Three working meeting were organized in Egypt, Nigeria and Senegal involving investigators and prosecutors from 30 countries, including both common and civil law countries.

Read more about the launch here.

28 June 2010

UNODC announces the launch of the Needs Assessment Toolkit on the Criminal Justice Response to Human Trafficking

UNODC, in the framework of the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) has developed the Needs Assessment Toolkit on the Criminal Justice Response to Human Trafficking.

11 June 2010

Anti-Human Trafficking Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners now available in Spanish

10 June 2010

India: Rebuilding lives at the shelter care home in Tamil Nadu

The shelter care home for boys in Chennai, India is situated in a large compound with trees and has four bigclassrooms. They are simple but alive with colourful displays of hand paintings, intricate paper cuttings and children's laughter. The boys wear blue coordinated uniforms. There is enough activity to keep them busy - reading, drawing, playing games, theatre and singing.

Read more here.

10 June 2010

UNODC Launches Global Review on Migrant Smuggling

UNODC is currently developing and implementing a number of new projects to assess and counter the various threats posed by human smuggling. To do so effectively, and to learn from already existing research on migrant smuggling for current and future programme design, it is imperative to gain an overview of the current state of knowledge on the subject by consolidating the existing literature on the subject in one comprehensive and informative background document.

Read more here.

1 June 2010

UNODC- CBSS Joint Assessment Report Launched

On the 31 ^st May 2010 UNODC and the Council of the Baltic Sea States Task Force on Trafficking in Human Beings (CBSS TF-THB) successfully completed the joint "Regional Project on Fostering Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) - Law Enforcement Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in, from and to the Baltic Sea Region."

Read more here.

26 to 27 May 2010

Capacity building workshop for magistrates and law enforcement officers on investigating and prosecuting Smuggling of Migrants delivered under IMPACT Programme

UNODC in cooperation with the Ministries of Justice of Burkina Faso and OCRIEST - the French law enforcement body responsible for investigating migrant smuggling - delivered a two-day training course on migrant smuggling in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Read more here.

19 May 2010

What do we know about the involvement of transnational organized crime in trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants? An update.

In May 2010, senior experts met to discuss the study conducted by UNODC in partnership with the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (Ghent University), on the involvement of organized crime, trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants. UNODC organized a panel discussion in the margins of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

Read more and view the panel discussion here.

14 May 2010

What do we know about the involvement of transnational organized crime in trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants?

In order to attempt providing, if not a response, but leads towards it, UNODC in partnership with the Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP) of Ghent University, initiated a study focusing on the role of organized crime in trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants cases.

Building on the momentum of the Crime Congress, which addressed in its plenary sessions the topic of Criminal Justice Responses to Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons: Links to Organized Crime and the outcome of this study, UNODC organizes, in the margins of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, a panel discussion with experts from research institutes, Member States and international organizations on Wednesday 19 May 2010, from 1 to 3pm in room M2 at the Vienna International Centre.

Read more here.

12 May 2010

Tamil Nadu, India: The female face of migration

Annually, hundreds of unskilled mainly male workers, migrate to the Gulf States and Southeast Asia often ending up doing "dirty, dangerous and difficult jobs". Usually concerns about migrants relate to poor working conditions or even exploitation. But there is another face - of those that are left behind - the spouses of migrants. Read the story of Raziya and Suneetha, who wait for their husbands' return.

Read more here.

5 May 2010

Tamil Nadu, India: Different faces of migration

Every year, over 100,000 young men and women leave the villages in Tamil Nadu situated in the southern coastal belt of India, packed with hopes of a better life and profitable work in Southeast Asia and the Gulf countries. This is the story of 26 year old Murugesh who migrated with big dreams, only to return with shattered ones.

Read more here.

15 and 16 April 2010

12th United Nations Crime Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice addresses human trafficking and migrant smuggling

The 12th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore two key issues. The first issue discussed was the link between organized crime, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants and how the knowledge of these links should in turn shape a more effective criminal justice response to these crimes. The second key issue discussed was that of how to prevent violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families, and provide an appropriate criminal justice response to this violence.

Read more here.

14 April 2010

Mexico takes lead in launching national campaign against human trafficking, Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico today took the lead in putting human trafficking on the global agenda by launching its own national version of the United Nations "Blue Heart" campaign against human trafficking.

President Felipe Calderón of Mexico and UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa launched the Mexico campaign in Mexico City.

Read more here.

11 to 19 April 2010

Crime Congress: substantive items related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants

Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants represent serious manifestations of transnational and other forms of organized crime.

The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, together with the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, demonstrate the need to effectively implement a broad range of responses to tackle the problem comprehensively. This highlights the importance of capacity building and training programmes to enhance the efficiency of crime prevention and criminal justice responses to these crimes, thus ensuring the criminalization of the criminals, the protection of the rights of migrants and of victim s of trafficking, and the prevention of these crimes.

The Crime Congress, to be held in Salvador, Brazil 11-19 April 2010, will dedicate two plenary sessions to the discussion of criminal justice responses to the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons and their links to organized crime, as well as crime prevention and criminal justice responses to the violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families. The background documents, drafted by the Secertariat with the support of partners such as UNICRI, TransCrime and the NIJ, offer Member States an overview of the issues related to trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, the involvement of organized crime and the particular manifestations of violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families. The documents also offer conclusions and suggest recommendations for the consideration by Member States.

See all Crime Congress documentation here

Item 6 of the provisional agenda

Item 10 of the provisional agenda

The plenary sessions for these items are to take place on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 April 2010. The outcome of the deliberations on these topics will be available on the page of the Crime Congress in due course.

8 April 2010

Cambodia participates in Regional Data Collection and Analysis on Migrant Smuggling

On 8 April 2010, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Sar Kheng, Minister of the Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and Mr. Gary Lewis, UNODC Representative for East Asia and the Pacific, signed a letter of agreement on Cambodia's participation in the regional project entitled Smuggling of Migrants: Establishment and Operation of a Coordination and Analysis Unit for East Asia and the Pacific.

Read more here.

1 April 2010

Parliamentarians around the world unite against organized crime

Today, the 122nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) ended with the adoption of the IPU Resolution on Cooperation and Shared Responsibility in the Global Fight against Organized Crime, in particular Drug Trafficking, Illegal Arms Trafficking, Human Trafficking and Cross-Border Terrorism. In its Resolution, the Drafting Committee of the First Standing Commitee decided to highlight that " migrant smuggling is often facilitated by organized crime networks, generating huge profits for the smugglers, while exposing irregular migrants to serious personal risks and making them vulnerable to trafficking" and insist on a clear call to IPU Member Parliaments to ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its supplementary Protocols.

Read more here.

1 April 2010

UNODC Migrant Smuggling Issue Papers launched online

UNODC's Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Unit offers occasional Issue Papers on aspects of the crime of migrant smuggling and the global response to it. Issue Papers bring together expertise from practitioners around the world in an effort to support information sharing between those working in various capacities to preventIslamic migrant smuggling, protect smuggled migrants and prosecute those who commit the crime.

The first paper to launch the series is Issue Paper: A Short Introduction to Migrant Smuggling which offers a brief overview of the crime of migrant smuggling.

The second paper released is Issue Paper: Migrant Smuggling by Air, which brings together expertise shared in the framework of an expert group meeting held in Vienna in December 2009. This Issue Paper explores the particular modus operandi of smuggling migrants by air and the challenges in responding to it and makes some recommendations about strengthening and coordinating response to this issue.

Read more about the Issue Papers here.

Or look for other Tools and Publications.

26 March 2010

India: My Life in the Red Lights of Sonagachi

This is the story of Munni, a commercial sex worker from Sonagachi, the largest red-light district in Kolkata, India. Sonagachi, translated as Golden Tree, has several hundred multistory brothels built in the winding lanes and is home to some 10,000 sex workers.

UNODC interviewed Munni, sixteen years old, who shares how she was trafficked, made her escape, returned to the brothels and how the economy of her trade works.

Read Munni's story here.

22 to 23 March 2010

The Arab Initiative for building national capacities for combating human trafficking launched in Doha, Qatar

The Arab Initiative to combat human trafficking was launched during the Doha Foundation Forum 2010, a regional conference aimed at consulting and exchanging views from relevant stakeholders in the Middle East and North Africa region and building political consensus for future regional action against human trafficking. The Arab Initiative aims to build national capacities for the 22 Arab League States to effectively prevent and combat human trafficking. The main partners of the project are the Qatar Foundation for Combating Human Trafficking (QFCHT), the League of Arab States and UNODC.

Read more here.

6 to 8 March 2010

South Asia: Six countries meet to increase international cooperation against human trafficking and migrant smuggling

On 6 - 8 March 2010 in Kolkata, India, UNODC in association with ATSEC India (Action Against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children) a network of NGOs working on prevention of human trafficking, organized for the first time in South Asia a three-day regional workshop on "International Cooperation in Trafficking in Persons/Smuggling of Migrants Cases". The workshop brought together 27 officers and representatives from the executive and the judiciary power from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, including police officers, prosecutors, judges and senior government officials, representatives from the International Justice Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNIFEM, ATSEC and UNODC experts in legal and criminal justice matters.

Read more here.

22 to 25 February 2010

Training Workshop on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling

On 22 to 25 of February 2010 in Abuja, Nigeria, UNODC together with Nigeria's National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP), the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Department of Justice, ECOWAS, conducted training for 33 law enforcers, prosecutors and other experts on investigating and prosecuting migrant smuggling.

Read more here.

19 February 2010

Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons now available in Arabic

"The fact that trafficking in persons occurs today is a horrifying reality. The fact that there is more we could be doing collectively to combat it should be a global call to arms." (UNODC Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons).

The 123 tools contained in the Toolkit offer guidance, recommended resources, and promising practices to policymakers, law enforcers, judges, prosecutors, victim service providers and members of civil society who are working in interrelated spheres towards preventing trafficking, protecting and assisting victims and promoting international cooperation.

Download the Toolkit in Arabic or for other languages visit our Tools and Publications Page. Also see the Online Toolkit.

11 February 2010

Trafficking Survivors in India earn their livelihoods as security guards

A Jharkhand based organization, Bharati Kisan Sangh (BKS) has taken a positive step to help rehabilitate survivors of trafficking through livelihood skills with the hope of reintegrating them back into society. In 2009, BKS introduced an innovative security guard training course, to promote livelihood options for adolescent tribal women in rural areas. It places women's security and human rights at the centre of its efforts, promoting women's rights, opportunities and capacities through this initiative. With support from UNODC and with an aim to create sustainable livelihood options to protect and prevent women from being trafficked, BKS, facilitated the establishment of a placement agency to ensure employment for trafficking survivors in the age group of 18-25 years.

Read more here.

27 - 29 January 2010

Expert panelists address the Second Meeting of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons

On the 27 ^th to the 29 ^th of January 2010, the Second Meeting of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons was held in Vienna, Austria. Expert panelists opened each substantive session by sharing experiences from the contexts of their own countries.

Read more here.

28 January 2010

Side event to the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons: UNODC Technical Assistance Briefing

In the margins of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, UNODC hosted a side event to brief delegates on the technical assistance UNODC offers to States parties in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Read more here.

27 January 2010

Side event to the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons: Vienna Launch of the Framework for Action to Implement the Trafficking in Persons Protocol

In the margins of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons the International Framework for Action to Implement the Trafficking in Persons Protocol was launched in Vienna.

Read more here.

27 - 29 January 2010

 

Second Meeting on the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons to be Held in Vienna

More information about the meeting and relevant side events can be found here

Information for Participants can be found here

26-29 January 2010

Joining forces to stem the deadly business of migrant smuggling by Sea: a Conference on Transnational Organized Crime in the Mediterranean Region held in Athens, Greece

UNODC jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, organized a regional conference on transnational organized crime - particularly migrant smugging by sea - from 26 to 29 January 2010 in Athens, Greece. The purpose of the conference was to strengthen and foster law enforcement cooperation and thereby enhance the capacities of authorities responsible for combating the smuggling of migrants by sea in the Mediterranean region.

Read more here.

26 - 27 January 2010

Capacity Building Workshop for Magistrates and Law Enforcement Officers on Transnational Organized Crime, Particularly Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, under IMPACT Project

UNODC in cooperation with the Ministries of Justice of Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, OCRIEST - the French law enforcement body responsible for investigating migrant smuggling - and JIRS - the French prosecutorial body specialized in fighting organized crime - delivered a two-day training course on migrant smuggling for 65 magistrates and law enforcers from Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo. This training was the third of a series of trainings for investigators and prosecutors that will be implemented under the Impact Programme both on a national and regional level in North and West Africa over a period of 12 months.

Read more here.

14 January 2010

Community and Police come together in India to combat trafficking of women and children

UNODC in collaboration with Action against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children (ATSEC), organized a two-day training on community policing for police officers from different districts of West Bengal, India.

Community policing builds on the notion that community interaction and support can help in controlling crime. Community policing requires partnering with the police and citizens and rests on the belief that law-abiding members of the community deserve participation in police processes.

The two-day training, introduced concepts related to human trafficking, laws and procedures under the Indian Penal Code and the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA), community policing and different investigating techniques. The training also covered post rescue care and attention to survivors, health care psycho-social counseling and mental health intervention. A police sub-inspector who participated in the training commented, "when I came I didn't know what community policing was and neither was I so oriented to the issue of trafficking. Police personnel receive very little training but sessions like these are really useful and I am much more aware now."

Read more here.

7 - 11 December 2009

Regional Training Workshop on Investigating and Prosecuting Migrant Smuggling, Abuja, Nigeria

Between 7 and 11 December 2009, a regional workshop was held on investigating and prosecuting migrant smuggling, to test UNODC's Basic Training Manual on investigating and prosecuting migrant smuggling.

Read more here.

7-9 December 2009

International Expert Group Meeting on Migrant Smuggling by Air in Vienna, Austria

Between 7 and 9 December 2009, senior law enforcement experts met in Vienna, Austria, to share their expertise on preventing and combating the smuggling of migrants by air.

Read more here.

7-9 December 2009

Expert Group Meeting to Review the Model Law on Combating the Smuggling of Migrants in Cairo, Egypt

From 7 to 9 December 2009, several judges and prosecutors from countries of North Africa met in Cairo, Egypt, to review Model Law on combating the smuggling of migrants which was drafted as a result of the two Expert Group Meetings that were held in Vienna in March and October 2009.

Read more here.

25 November 2009

25 of November 2009 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. UNODC's Regional Office for South Asia commemorates this event by contributing stories on the lives of women suffering from different forms of violence

Reena (not her real name) was forced to work in the sex trade for 15 years until she was rescued. Astha (also not her real name) talks about being trafficked as a child, forced to weave carpets for eight years until she was rescued and went on to become an outreach worker. Both Reena and Astha share their stories of violence, survival and recovery.

Read more here.

 

24 - 26 November 2009

Regional Workshop to Finalize Guidelines on International Legal Cooperation Instruments in the Area of Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants held in Belgrade, Serbia

The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Programme Office for South East Europe (RPOSEE) carried out the Regional Workshop to Develop Guidelines on International Legal Cooperation Instruments in the Area of Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants in Belgrade, Serbia from 24 to 26 November 2009.

Read more here.

23 - 25 November 2009

ASEAN Workshop on International Legal Cooperation in Trafficking in Persons Cases held in Bangkok, Thailand

From 23 to 25 November 2009, senior prosecutors, lawyers and police from the ten Member States of ASEAN (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) met in Bangkok to discuss international legal cooperation in trafficking in persons. The workshop was organized under the auspices of ASEAN with support of UNODC and the Asia Regional Trafficking in Persons project (ARTIP), through funding provided under UNODC's direct agreement with the European Commission.

Read more here.

11 November 2009

The Role of Corruption in Trafficking in Persons, Side event to the third Session of the Conference of the State Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, Doha 9-13 November 2009.

At the recent Conference of the State Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, UNODC and Transparency International jointly organised a side event session on 'The Role of Corruption in Trafficking in Persons', which took place on 11 November 2009.

Read more here.

4 November 2009

United Nations Secretary-General comments on dangers of human trafficking and migrant smuggling in his address to the Global Forum on Migration and Development

In addressing the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Athens, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the positive contributions made by migration around the world, but underlined the dangers of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Read more here

3 November 2009

UNODC promotes international cooperation to prevent and combat trafficking in persons in Mexico and Central America

Mexico City, Mexico and San Jose, Costa Rica

Read more here

27 - 30 October 2009

Rabat, Morocco

Training based on finalised anti-migrant smuggling manual piloted under the Impact Project

Read more here

19 October 2009

 

Launch of the training film Affected for Life

Read more about Affected for Life here.

 

9 October 2009

New York, United States of America

Launch of the International Framework for Action to Implement the Trafficking in Persons Protocol

The International Framework for Action to Implement the Trafficking in Persons Protocol was launched at the United Nations in New York today. Attending the launch was Ms. Doris Buddenburg, UNODC/UN.GIFT, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Ms. Joy Ezeilo and Mr. Mohammed Mattar, Research Professor of Law and Executive Director of The Protection Project, Johns Hopkins University.

The International Framework for Action is a technical assistance tool that supports United Nations Member States in the effective implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (United Nations Trafficking Protocol), supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).

The International Framework for Action came about as a result of the Government of France requesting that UNODC provide its support and expertise to analyze all aspects of existing national and regional anti-human trafficking policy and coordination mechanisms in order to support improved implementation of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. UNODC undertook a desk review of existing instruments, strategies and plans of action (both national and regional) to combat trafficking in persons. It has also reviewed Member States' reports on the implementation of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol and reports of the Chief Executives Board on the role of the United Nations entities and other relevant organizations.

Ms Buddenburg stressed that the International Framework for Action is the result of true inter-agency cooperation, combining distinct view and approaches of key organizations working in the fight against trafficking.Expertise was provided in the course of consultations and meetings by a anti-trafficking partners including Anti-Slavery International, Council of Europe, End child prostitution, child pornography and trafficking of children for sexual purposes (ECPAT), International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organization (ILO), Intervention Centre for Victims of Trafficking in Women (LEFOE-IBF), Organization of American States (OAS), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Terre des homes International Federation (Tdh), The Protection Project, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies,United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women/Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDAW/DESA), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Read more about the International Framework for Action and other anti-trafficking tools and publications here.

30 September - 2 October 2009

Budva, Montenegro

Workshop to develop guidelines on International Legal Cooperation Instruments in the area of anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling

Read more about the workshop here.

18 September 2009

Geneva, New York, Vienna

Today, ILO, UNICEF and Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking ( UN.GIFT) launched the 'Training manual to fight trafficking in children for labour, sexual and other forms of exploitation

This manual on fighting trafficking is unique in that it specifically focuses on children, includes a special emphasis on labour issues, and is geared towards training. It is comprised of textbooks for self study and an exercise book with a menu of assignment options that trainers can choose from for tailor-made training courses. It also includes a facilitators' guide for use by those facilitating training. The manual addresses the needs of governments; workers' and employers' organizations; and NGOs and international agencies working at the policy and outreach level.

The publication is the result of an Expert Group Initiative on child trafficking, led by ILO and UNICEF, and implemented under the United Nations Global Initiative to fight trafficking ( UN.GIFT)

Read more about the launch here.

Download the Training Manual here.

28 August 2009

Anti-Human Trafficking Training Manual launched today at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok (Thailand)

Today at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, the United Nations Anti-Human Trafficking Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners was launched by US Ambassador-at-large, Luis CdeBaca, in the presence of several practitioners from the Thai government and UN authorities, as well as members of the media and civil society.

In line with the Trafficking in Persons Protocol supplementing the United Nations Organized Crime Convention, the purpose of the Anti-Human Trafficking Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners is to support criminal justice practitioners in the prevention of human trafficking, the protection of its victims, the prosecution of its culprits and in the international cooperation needed to achieve these goals.

The Anti-Human Trafficking Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners is the result of a global cooperative process in which expert representatives from academia, NGOs, international organizations, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges from all over the world contributed their expertise and experiences.

Read more about the launch

Watch the launch

Visit UNODC East Asia and Pacific

Download the modules here

7 August 2009

Unprecedented Court of Women hears testimonies from the trafficked and sexually exploited
Nusa Dua, Bali (Indonesia)

Read more here

3 - 4 August 2009

Regional Workshop on the Role of NGOs in Preventing the Smuggling of Migrants

Read more here

16 July 2009

Mexico and UNODC to launch the Blue Heart Campaign in early 2010

Read more here

15 - 16 July 2009

Experts support draft law to combat migrant smuggling in Côte d'Ivoire

Read more here

11 July 2009

President Obama praises conviction of human traffickers in Ghana

In his remarks to the Ghanaian Parliament on 11 July 2009, US President Barack Obama praised Ms. Patience Quaye for her role in the successful human trafficking prosecution in Ghana.

Read more here

6 - 7 July 2009

Workshop on International Criminal Justice Cooperation in Response to Migrant Smuggling held in Cairo Egypt

From 6 to 7 of July, law enforcers and prosecutors from several countries in North and West africa met to discuss criminal justice cooperation in response to the challenges of combating migrant smuggling.

To read more about the workshop, click here.

30 June 2009

UNODC launches Model Law against Trafficking in Persons

The UNODC Model Law against Trafficking in Persons was developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in response to the request of the General Assembly to the Secretary-General to promote and assist the efforts of Member States to become party to and implement the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocols thereto.

The UNODC Model Law against Trafficking in Persons has been developed to assist States in implementing the provisions contained in the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, supplementing that Convention. It will facilitate the review and amendment of existing legislation as well as the adoption of new legislation. It has been designed to be adaptable to the needs of each State, whatever its legal tradition and social, economic, cultural and geographical conditions. The Model Law covers not only the criminalization of trafficking in persons and related offences, but also the different aspects of assistance to victims as well as establishing cooperation between different state authorities and NGOs. Each provision is accompanied by a detailed commentary, providing several options for legislators, as appropriate, and legal sources and examples.

The UNODC Model Law against Trafficking in Persons was developed by the Organized Crime and Criminal Justice Section of the Division for Treaty Affairs in cooperation with the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Unit (AHTMSU) of the Division for Operations and the Statistics and Surveys Section of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs. Two consultant drafters, Marjan Wijers and Roelof Haveman, assisted UNODC. A group of experts in the field of anti-human trafficking, from a variety of legal and geographical backgrounds met to discuss and review the draft Model Law.

Download the UNODC Model Law against Trafficking in Persons

See more UNODC Legal Tools and Model Legislation

See more anti-human trafficking Tools and Publications

Contact us for more information.

23 June 2009

UNODC Paper 'Combating Trafficking in Persons in Accordance with the Principles of Islamic Law' launched in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Read more about the launch and the paper

Download the paper 'Combating Trafficking in Persons in Accordance with the Principles of Islamic Law'

See more anti-human trafficking Tools and Publications

Contact us for more information.

22 - 24 June 2009

Final Expert Group Meeting to Elaborate UNODC Basic Training Modules on Preventing and Combating Migrant Smuggling held in Abuja, Nigeria

Between 22 and 24 June, expert law enforcers and prosecutors from around the world met in Abuja, Nigeria to provide practical input to the elaboration of UNODC basic training modules on preventing and combating the Smuggling of Migrants.

To read more about the EGM, click here.

16 June 2009

African Union launches AU.COMMIT - an initiative to fight human trafficking in Africa

The African Union has chosen the Day of the African Child, celebrated today, to launch AU.COMMIT, an initiative to fight human trafficking in Africa. This campaign seeks to make the fight against trafficking in persons a priority on the development agenda of the continent. It also calls on African States to build on the Ouagadougou Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, which guides African Union member States in developing and reforming their policies and laws on trafficking in persons.

As the guardian of an international anti-human trafficking instrument and as the provider of technical assistance, UNODC supports AU.COMMIT. UNODC also collaborates with the African Union under the framework of the implementation of the Union's Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention.

To read more about AU.COMMIT click here.

12 June 2009

Joint Project between Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings (TF-THB) of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and UNODC showcased online

UNODC and the Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings (TF-THB) of the Council of Baltic Sea States, are jointly implementing a project on fostering cooperation between different governmental institutions and non-governmetnal actors in preventing and combating human trafficking in, from and to the Baltic Sea Region.

The project is now showcased online on the Council of Baltic Sea States website here.

9 June 2009

UNODC regional project in Central America as a platform for the promotion of good practices on the investigation of trafficking in persons in the Americas

The Ibero American Association of Public Prosecutors Offices (AIAMP) - the highest political penal prosecution instance in the Central American region - has recognized the UNODC project against trafficking in persons (XCAS26) in Central America as a model program to be replicated in other countries.

To find out why, click here.

4 June 2009

UNODC Regional Office for South Asia spoke with Professor Zakir Hossain about the human trafficking situation and response to it in Bangladesh. Professor Zakir Hossain is the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Chittagong in Bangladesh and a Member of the Judicial Service Commission, in the context of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) training on combating human trafficking for law enforcement officers.

To read the full interview, click here.

22 May 2009

UNODC and European Commission partnership: Promoting the implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, and the Protocol against Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, both supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

UNODC and the European Commission are partnering to implement a global project aiming to promote the implementation of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, and the Protocol against Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, both supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

The project, funded mainly by the European Commission, will be carried out over a period of 3 years:

(i) To advocate for global adherence to the Smuggling and Trafficking Protocols and to support UN Member States in their ratification and/or accession efforts by assisting them in bringing their legal frameworks in compliance with the requirements of these instruments

(ii) To assist governments in strengthening their capacities, in particular of their criminal justice systems, to effectively prevent, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate cases of trafficking in persons (TiP) and smuggling of migrants (SoM) including through cooperation with third countries, while protecting the rights of smuggled migrants as well as assisting and protecting victims of human trafficking, including through appropriate prevention programmes and awareness campaigns.

Activities will be carried around the world in beneficiary countries agreed upon by the Steering Committee of the project, composed of representatives of UNODC and of the EC reaching out to legislators, parliamentarians, criminal justice practitioners and non-governmental organizations. The final beneficiaries of this project will be actual and potential victims of trafficking in persons and smuggled migrants.

UNODC welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the European Commission to tackle such crimes.

20 May 2009

UNODC Regional Office for South Asia showcases good practice in preventing human trafficking and protecting its victims. Stop Trafficking and Oppression of Children and Women (STOP) a non-governmental organisation follows a human rights based approach to the prevention of trafficking in women mainly for sexual exploitation. Working with a strong and diverse network of partners, STOP works to reduce gender discrimination in society to address root causes of trafficking.

For more, click here.

19 May 2009

Training law enforcement officers to fight migrant smuggling in Morocco