Cairo, 8 June 2021-The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt and the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP) launch two new Programmes to reinforce the Egyptian national efforts in countering trafficking in persons and irregular migration.

The first Programme is building upon prior successes of the EU-funded “Action to Support the National Coordinating Committee on Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP) to Create a Safe and Secure Environment in Egypt”. It will support the Egyptian government in ensuring that trafficking in persons is monitored and curbed and victims of trafficking are promptly identified and receive adequate assistance. This would be achieved through capacity building interventions and awareness raising campaigns, for the continuous implementation of the National Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Persons (2016-2021). This programme is funded by the Regional Development and Protection Programme in North Africa (RDPP) of the European Union, also with a contribution from the Ministry of Interior of Italy.

The second Programme “Information on Risks of Irregular Migration and Promoting Safe Migration through the Strengthening of Community Engagement in Transit Countries along Central and Western Mediterranean Routes” is a regional programme funded by the Ministry of Interior of Italy. This Programme will be implemented in partnership with NCCPIM&TIP to address irregular migration through the dissemination of accurate information and support to vulnerable population in Egypt and Africa. This programme will inform people and youth in particular, about the risks associated with irregular migration. It will also provide citizens with information on safe migration opportunities and assistance and protection services in transit countries.

These Programmes are a continuum of previously operated programmes in Egypt with the full engagement of the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons and its members, based on the legal and operational frameworks in Egypt.

Both programmes support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Goal 5 “ Gender Equality” specifically Target 5.2 “End all violence against and exploitation of women and girls”, Target 5.3 “Eliminate forced marriages and genital mutilation, also Goal 8 “ Decent work and Economic growth” specifically Target 8.7 “End modern slavery and human trafficking”, Goal 10 “Reduced Inequalities”, Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” and Goal 17 “Partnerships for the Goals”. This programme’s objectives also align with Egypt Vision 2030 goals particularly its social justice pillar and contributes to the implementation of the National Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Persons (2016-2021).

For more information, please contact Mariam Salim at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 1012 428 527, Email: msalim@iom.int