Vienna, Austria - 25 May 2017 - A special high level event, titled " EU-UNODC Cooperation: Addressing Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling" was organized by UNODC Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section and the European Union Delegation to the International Organizations in Vienna on 22 May 2017.
The event acknowledged the efforts of the Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) partner governments in addressing human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and helped facilitate a dialogue and information exchange between the countries.
During his opening address, UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said that: "Projects such GLO.ACT are needed more than ever. It changes lives." He went on to say that "our work under GLO.ACT has helped to gather the best available data on the current situation with respect to human trafficking and migrant smuggling in all 13 countries involved in this project."
The event, moderated by H.E. Ambassador Didier Lenoir, Head of the EU Delegation, also featured interventions by GLO.ACT participating countries. In his keynote speech, Mr. Ibrahim Jean Etienne, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice in Niger said that:
"Niger is a country of origin, transit and departure. Millions cross its borders, with many dying in the desert due to being abandoned by traffickers. We have to take the appropriate measures to stop these crimes."
During the event, Ms. Margaret Akullo, GLO.ACT Project Coordinator, also provided an implementation update of GLO.ACT 2 years on since the EU-UNODC initiative was launched.
During her closing address, Ms. Agata Sobiech, Policy Officer for the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, reaffirmed that combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling is of the highest importance for the EU. She said that the "EU is committed to respond and support partner countries on these issues. GLO.ACT will continue to be implemented over the next two years and we hope that it will make a difference in the fight against Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants."
For further information, please contact:
www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/
Email: glo.act@un.org
Twitter: @glo_act