Turkiye: UNODC facilitates bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and Libya to strengthen cooperation to counter Human Trafficking 

Istanbul, Turkiye/21 September 2022: UNODC’s GLO.ACT-Bangladesh and Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa facilitated the first bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and Libya to counter trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

The dangerous central Mediterranean route is being frequently used by traffickers and smugglers to transport victims and vulnerable migrants, which include a large number of Bangladeshi citizens. Therefore, the meeting aimed to assess the situation and challenges, and create effective communication channels and working relationship between the focal points of Bangladesh and Libya.  

The meeting provided participants with the opportunity to engage in concrete and case based operational networking based on a strengthened common understanding of the international legal framework of cooperation. Participants also spoke about relevant national legislation in their respective countries and actions taken by the relevant authorities to combat both crimes.

The attendees also addressed the need to ensure that smuggled migrants and trafficking victims are not punished and can access timely and effective assistance.

Going forward, the delegation agreed to establish two-tiered focal points through diplomatic channels and law enforcement agencies. In addition, they discussed the prospect of instituting a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between Bangladesh and Libya ensuring real time information sharing between the two Governments.

This activity contributes to SDG 8 and SDG 16: https://sdg-tracker.org/

(Supported by the European Union)