NCCPIM&TIP, UNODC, and IOM to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

This year’s theme, “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” is a call to reinforce the critical role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in dismantling networks while ensuring a victim-centred approach. The first encounter between law enforcement and victims of human trafficking goes on to shape the quality of their cooperation throughout the criminal justice proceedings, including access to essential support services and protecting survivors from further harm. Therefore, the role of law enforcement is not limited to being the first line of contact with victims of human trafficking, arresting offenders and rescuing victims. Law enforcement plays an instrumental role in helping victims rebuild their lives and seek justice.

In line with this year’s theme and as we mark the 11th World Day against Trafficking in Persons, this moment serves as a valuable opportunity to reflect on national efforts and the strong collaboration between the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP) and relevant UN agencies in combatting human trafficking and ending exploitation. As part of these efforts, ongoing initiatives have focused on supporting law enforcement officials through regular training programs. These include sessions on identifying and assisting victims of trafficking in persons (TIP), as well as mock trials to enhance understanding of legal procedures. Such initiatives are designed to promote victim-centered, rights-based, and justice-oriented approaches in handling TIP cases. Furthermore, study visits and exchanges of best practices with international counterparts have provided valuable insights and strengthened cross-border cooperation, contributing to more effective prevention, protection, and prosecution strategies.

Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairperson of the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons, noted, "In recent years, the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons, under the Prime Minister, has made significant efforts in cooperation with various partners, especially law enforcement. These entities have played a key role in tracking down and arresting offenders and bringing them to justice, while also protecting victims and referring them to the necessary support services.”

Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa noted, “Ending the exploitation of victims of human trafficking goes hand in hand with dismantling the organized criminal networks. Human Trafficking and organized crimes require a coordinated and collaborative response among key stakeholders. This response should ensure that victims and survivors are better protected, and justice is served, with an active role played by all involved stakeholders of the criminal justice system, communities, protection actors, and in particular frontline officers.”

 

"Human trafficking is not a crime of chance—it is an organized crime, targeting the most vulnerable among us, preying on their hopes, and robbing them of their freedom." Mr. Carlos Oliver Cruz, IOM Egypt's Chief of Mission.

Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, as he does every year, delivered a recorded speech reaffirming the Egyptian Government’s commitment to combating this heinous crime. H.E. Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairperson of NCCPIM&TIP, also delivered a recorded message, which was shared on the Committee’s official social media platforms. In addition, UN agencies took part in the commemoration by sharing recorded speeches from Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and North Africa, and Mr. Carlos Oliver Cruz, Chief of Mission of IOM Egypt, on their respective social media channels.

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For more information, please visit:

NCCPIM&TIP Facebook - UNODC ROMENA Facebook - IOM Egypt Facebook