Press Release

Regional Conference on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (3 - 4 November 2015)

Karachi, 3 November 2015 -UNODC Office in Pakistan has organized a two day Regional Conference on "Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling" in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency from 3-4 November 2015 to enhance regional cooperation related to irregular migration attempts. 

This high level conference was a first of its kind in the region where source, transit and destination countries were present. UNODC Country Office in Pakistan presented the best international practices for improving border control mechanisms and building cooperative relationships for investigation, prosecution and protection of victims. 

It aimed to further strengthen law enforcement cooperation in the region by bringing together officials to discuss emerging trends and patterns of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Senior Government Officials and representatives from fifty (50) countries along with ten (10) Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Islamabad present at the conference. 

During the opening session Mr. Cesar Guedes, Representative of UNODC Office in Pakistan mentioned that there are "2.4 million victims of human trafficking around the world at any given time, out of which 70 percent are women and young girls". He reminded the delegates that human trafficking and migrant smuggling remains one of the most lucrative business generating over $32 billion in profits annually".

The Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Mr. Akbar Khan Hoti expressed his organization's strong willingness to engage with the international counterparts in overcoming the growing challenges posed by human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

For further information and confirmation please contact Ms. RizwanaAsad, Communications Officer, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@unodc.org