Baghdad, Iraq 01 June 2023 - UNODC, under the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT Asia and the Middle East), facilitated from 3 to 4 May 2023 the second meeting of the technical working group in charge of developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the investigation of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) cases in Iraq.
The draft SOP, comprised of eight chapters, served as the central discussion point during the meeting. The draft includes chapters on the international legislative framework, the national legislative framework, the identification of victims of TIP, the investigation process, protection and assistance, case management and review mechanisms.
The importance of the SOP cannot be overstated. Once completed, it will serve as a crucial resource, outlining necessary actions and providing guidance for law enforcement authorities in investigating human trafficking and migrant smuggling offences. Its implementation will significantly enhance their ability to identify such crimes and conduct the investigation process effectively and efficiently. Additionally, mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the provision of different forms of assistance to the victims affected by these heinous crimes.
With each meeting, the committee makes significant strides towards completing the SOP. Their dedicated efforts, combined with the expertise of the facilitators, reflect the commitment of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to counter human trafficking and migrant smuggling, creating a safer and more just society for all.
The meeting brought together eight representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, the Iraqi High Judicial Council, and the Ministry of Justice, along with representatives from the Ministry of Interior of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants – Asia and the Middle East (GLO.ACT-Asia and the Middle East) is a four-year joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in up to five countries: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (Afghanistan), Islamic Republic of Iran (I.R. of Iran), Republic of Iraq (Iraq), Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Pakistan). GLO.ACT-Bangladesh is a parallel initiative also financed by the EU and implemented with IOM.
The project builds on a global community of practice set in motion in GLO.ACT 2015-2019 and assists governmental authorities and civil society organizations in targeted, innovative, and demand-driven interventions: sustaining effective strategy and policy development, legislative review and harmonization, capability development, and regional and trans-regional cooperation. The project also provides direct assistance to victims of human trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and protection mechanisms. The project is fully committed to mainstreaming Human Rights and Gender Equality considerations across all of its activities.
The project is funded by the European Union
For more information, please contact:
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act2/index.html
Email: unodc-glo.act@un.org
Twitter: @glo_act