The event is co-organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for West and Central Africa and the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior of Italy. After previous editions always held in African countries, it is the first time it is organized in a European country, recognizing Italy's leading role in international cooperation in the fight against smuggling of migrants and human trafficking.
Undersecretary for Justice, Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove underlined the importance of cooperation in the Niamey Declaration with the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone if you want go far go together”.
Representing Italy at the meeting were also Prefect Annunziato Vardé, Director of the Office for Coordination and Planning of Police Forces of the Ministry of the Interior, and Minister Plenipotentiary Alessandro Azzoni, Deputy Director General and Central Director for Security of the Ministry of External Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
The Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for West and Central Africa, Dr. Amado Philip de Andrés emphasized that: “Among key achievements, most countries have adopted or are in the process of adopting national action plans against human trafficking”. Adding that: “ The Niamey Declaration cuts across major issues, ranging from legislative and policy frameworks to operational responses and protection. It thus serves as a unique transregional forum to exchange on current and emerging issues related to the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Africa and Europe as well as on the ongoing initiatives from all partners involved”.
The European Union was represented by the Director for Migration and Asylum, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission, Mr. Michael Shotter.
The Conference was attended by around 100 participants from delegations and International Organizations from several European and African countries and representing the main organizations involved in the matter: ICMPD, Frontex, Interpol, IOM, Europol, Eurojust,).
Italy offered partners the widest willingness to share its vast experience in the fight against transnational criminal organizations that manage smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons, particularly in attacking their illicit assets wherever they are concealed in the world.
The Niamey Declaration, since its signing in 2018, has been a key instrument in international cooperation. Drawing its origins from the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the so-called “Palermo Convention,” a milestone in the fight against the most serious crimes, the Niamey Declaration constitutes a solid bridge to strengthen the closeness between African and European countries, namely regarding data collection.
For more information on the Niamey Declaration: https://www.unodc.org/westandcentralafrica/en/niamey.html
Contact: Aïssata Ba, UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa: aissata.ba@un.org
