During the workshop, UNODC introduced the Blue Heart Campaign inviting participants to play an active role in awareness raising among vulnerable communities on human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

Mr Ismail Tierab, the Deputy Chairman of the NCCT participated and presented the key note address. The training delivered by UNODC was based on the UNODC developed Human Trafficking Toolkit for Journalists . It covered comprehensively human trafficking and smuggling of migrants (i) introducing the definitions and the differences between Trafficking in Persons (TiP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SoM), (ii)  the relevant international legal framework (iii)  the general TIP and SOM trends in the MENA region based on the latest findings of the 2016 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, (iv)  the respective situation in Sudan including the national legal framework and the latest policy developments in Sudan as well as (v) the role of  the NCCT.   

The workshop applied interactive and participatory approaches such as the interview role play, storytelling, analysis of relevant actors and sourcing & data validation. Also, videos were displayed showing actual cases of trafficking detected by the authorities in the border states of Kassala and Northern state. This practical approach helped the journalists to understand how to cover cases of trafficking in persons in a meaningful and victim-centered approach. 

Regarding the Blue Heart Campaign, the participants learned about the concept of the global campaign and its linkage with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the tools they can use for outreach and the available promotional material. They were introduced to experiences from other countries in using the campaign tools for outreach to marginalized and vulnerable groups. Videos from Latin America were displayed to show the different approaches of utilizing the campaign for awareness raising. By the end of the workshop, the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking agreed with the journalists on the need for a brainstorming session to discuss a potential plan of action for jointly implementing awareness raising initiatives using the Blue Heart Campaign within the framework of the National Action Plan to combat human trafficking.   

Notably, Sudan has made significant steps in the fight against trafficking in persons. In 2004 Sudan ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). Sudan also enacted Act 2014 on Combating of Human Trafficking, and acceded to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children on 2 December 2014. In addition, the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking in Sudan was subsequently established under the 2014 Combating of Human Trafficking Act. The Committee is under the supervision of the Minister of Justice and headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice.

With the support of UNODC and other international partners, the Committee developed the National Action Plan to combat human trafficking (2018 -2019) which has a strong component on public awareness raising and public engagement to fight human trafficking.

The workshop was possible thanks to the funding of the EU-funded GIZ project "Better Migration Management Programme.