Regional Information Sharing and Case Management Workshop

17 June 2015 -The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Pakistan (UNODC) in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) organised a two day regional workshop for law enforcement officials and prosecutors from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait,  Saudi Arabia and Turkey to discuss challenges related to case management and information sharing in overcoming the growing concerns of human trafficking and migrant smuggling from the region.  

The regional workshop provided an opportunity for the participants to discuss and develop practical ways for enhancing information sharing and improving case management practices in line with the recommendations given in the UNDOC's Global Trafficking in Persons Report 2014 for improving prosecution in human trafficking and migrant smuggling cases. It also provided them with a common platform to share experiences and knowledge on the emerging trends and routes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. 

During the opening session Mr. Naweed Riaz, UNODC's Officer-in-Charge stated "immediate attention was required from the regional states to protect human lives and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice". He further stated that UNODC Country Offices in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan are working towards building the capacity of host governments' in addressing the challenges posed by transnational organised crime.

Mr. Khalid Qureshi, Additional Director General FIA stated his appreciation for the efforts of UNODC especially regarding the delivered training sessions and operational equipment which has enabled the FIA to dismantle trafficking and smuggling networks and has contributed towards building safer communities which are free from labour exploitation. 

Brigadier General Mr. Saud Abdul-Aziz Alhuzaim, Defence Attaché of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, chaired the sessions on the second day of the workshop and reiterated the Kingdom's strong support for UNODC initiatives in Pakistan.  

Presentations were delivered by representatives from Interpol and ICMPD, a former National Crime Agency officer and a former crown prosecutor from the United Kingdom.

This regional workshop was possible with the financial support from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection of Australia.