UNODC in Pakistan committed to improving regional cooperation

2nd Regional Meeting on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Routes in the Region 19-20 August 2013

 

 

19 August, Ankara Turkey - As part of United Nation's global fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling under it's Global Plan of Action United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been committed to enhancing cooperation amongst regional stakeholders.

Some of the affected countries were brought together on a common platform in Turkey which is a pivotal country due to its geo-strategic location and strong cultural links transcending east and west.  This meeting materialized due to efforts of UNODC Country Office Pakistan which took the initiative in organizing the second regional meeting on human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The delegation included high level officials participation from Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey. This meeting was actively supported by Interpol and European think tank - International Centre of Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).  The participants deliberated upon the emerging trends, patterns and they formulated a constructive response to this form of transnational crime. UNODC in Pakistan is eager to facilitate countries in the region.

The opening session was addressed by Mr. Cesar Guedes the Representative of UNODC who is based in Islamabad, Pakistan. He stated "that tumultuous events are occurring in the region as we speak - crisis and the unrest in Syria, Egypt and Yemen with an ongoing instability in Iraq. This is creating displacement of people internally and across borders. These vulnerable people pre-dominantly women and children can fall prey to human traffickers."

He concluded his speech by reiterating  the importance of this global menace and the urgency to find regional solutions as it effects the lives of millions around the globe especially women and children.