In coordination with the Algerian Ministry of Justice, UNODC's three-day training workshop entitled 'Training Workshop for judges and prosecutors on combating migrant smuggling in Algeria' was primarily designed to strengthen their capacity to prosecute and adjudicate migrant smuggling cases. The workshop was implemented under the Global Programme against Smuggling of Migrants with funding received by the United States of America. It was also a part of UNODC's Strategy for the Building of Capacity of Countries around the Mediterranean to address smuggling of migrants through an Integrated Response.
As well as UNODC experts, the workshop included expert contributions from UNHCR, Eurojust, the Liaison magistrate of France in Algiers and a Belgian Prosecutor specialized in migrant smuggling cases. It was attended by a group of 15 judges and 9 prosecutors who had previously attended a UNODC training workshop on trafficking in persons. The participants were drawn from across Algeria, including - importantly - border regions where smuggling of migrants occurs.
The workshop included an overview of the relevant national and international legal framework, allowing for discussion on the key elements of the crime under the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol and Algerian legislation. A number of other issues were subsequently covered, including the role of smugglers and smuggled migrants in investigations; good practices in prosecuting migrant smuggling cases; and financial investigations and prosecutions. Analysis and discussion of case studies offered practical examples, therefore helping to highlight the topics covered during the workshop sessions.
Levels of participation and discussion were high and the success of the workshop reinforced UNODC's cooperation with the Algerian Government.
For further information please contact:
Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section, htmss AT unodc DOT org