From April 13 - 15 in Tunis, Tunisia the workshop entitled 'Strengthening the capacities of criminal justice practitioners on addressing protection and assistance needs of smuggled migrants' took place.
The 3-day national training workshop focused on the protection and assistance needs of smuggled migrants and was the pilot of a training course for law enforcement officers, financed by Turkey under UNODC 'Global Programme against Smuggling of Migrants'. The course was structured around a comprehensive case study, which presented a series of situations in which persons with different protection and assistance needs are the object of smuggling operations. The aim was therefore to help participants identify the immediate needs of assistance and protection among smuggled migrants and take appropriate action.
Featuring additional contributions by experts from IOM and UNHCR, the workshop included (but not limited to) sessions on the difference between migrant smuggling and human trafficking, the protection of life and safety of persons smuggled by sea, debriefing of migrants, and how to conduct effective investigations in full respect of the rights of migrants. The workshop followed a participatory methodology and all its sessions saw a high degree of interactivity and participation through group discussions, simulations, and role plays.
The workshop received positive feedback with participants showing particular appreciation for the diversity of law enforcement agencies represented which gave them an opportunity to share experiences, perspectives, and discuss issues of common interest.
For further information please contact:
Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section, htmss@unodc.org