Aswan, 28 January 2020 - In line with the National Strategy on Combating Trafficking in Persons (2016-2021), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the National Coordinating Committee on Combatting and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP) and the National Centre for Judicial Studies (NCJS) organized a workshop on countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

The Governor of Aswan, General Ashraf Attia, inaugurated the workshop, in the presence of Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairperson of NCCPIM&TIP; Mr. Andrea Dabizzi, Head of Migrant Protection and Assistance Unit representing IOM Egypt; Counselor Sayed Bandary, Secretary General of NCJS; and a group of Egyptian judges and military prosecutors.

In his speech, General Ashraf Attia explained that the Government of Egypt’s response to the phenomenon of irregular migration is a model of solidarity, stressing that Egypt has witnessed a drastic decrease in irregular migration from Egypt’s shores since September 2016, which is in line with the implementation of the Ministry of Immigration initiative "Life Saving Boats". This initiative seeks to provide suitable employment opportunities and raise awareness for young people in the villages and governorates that see large numbers of irregular migration.

Ambassador Naela Gabr praised the participants in the workshop, highlighting the panel discussions with judges and counselors on the legal framework on Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling and Irregular Migration. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of such workshops in determining the action plan and strategy to combat these crimes with respect for human rights.

This workshop was made possible through the generous support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the project “Strengthening Egyptian governmental efforts to combat trafficking in persons (STRENGTH) – Egypt”, and contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth, Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries, Goal 16:  Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development and Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals. It is also in-line with the objectives of the social and economic dimensions of the Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 of the Government of Egypt and contributes to the implementation of the 2016-2021 National Strategy on Combatting and Preventing Trafficking in Persons and the National Strategy on Combatting Illegal Migration.

For further information, please contact Omar Awwad at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 1032 049 144 Email: oawwad@iom.int