Cairo, 1-2 June 2021 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt organized a two-day virtual workshop for African Public Prosecutors on combatting migration-related and other transnational organized crimes, in cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Arab Republic of Egypt (OPG) and the Africa Prosecutors Association (APA).

The workshop aimed at fostering interactive discussions among Prosecutors on various aspects regarding cross-border cooperation to fight smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and other migration-related crimes. The workshop was attended by twenty-six Public Prosecutors from 12 African countries, who had the chance to share their country practices and raised their major areas of concern that could hamper their actions.

The Prosecutor General of Egypt, H.E Counsellor Hamada El Sawy, stated that “the crimes of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants represent a grave violation against human rights”. He emphasized the need for law enforcement entities and judicial authorities in African States to continue effective cooperation to address migration-related and other similar cross-border crimes and take all necessary measures to help the victims of these crimes.

He highlighted the importance of exchanging experiences, best practices and prominent challenges in order to combat the organized crimes and to pursue the best preventive measures and coordinated prosecution of criminals. In his capacity of APA President, he underscored the need for more effective cooperation between members of the Africa Prosecutors Association and also valued the effective contributions of the International Organization for Migration in organizing this important workshop.

"The role of Prosecutors and their exchange of information and coordination within Africa is pivotal for an effective response to combat efficiently migration-related crimes, while protecting vulnerable migrants and crime victims from any kind of violation of their rights. It is our pleasure to see the engagement of Public Prosecutors in a network approach" said Laurent de Boeck, Chief of Mission, IOM Egypt.

The workshop has examined the international standards in countering migration-related crimes and analyzed possible means for further cooperation in the African continent. It has also addressed Egypt national response in combatting smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and the current state of international cooperation. The participants have shared their countries’ practices and exchanged views and knowledge. The participants have also emphasized the enhanced role of APA in strengthening cross-border cooperation to effectively investigate and prosecute transnational crimes.

The discussions have concluded in proposing practical recommendations aimed at strengthening the role of APA in overcoming the challenges faced due to the lack of understanding of legal systems, structures, and coordination mechanisms. This challenge could be tackled through creating platforms and multiple channels of communication between Public Prosecution entities, including regular symposiums, meetings and workshops involving African Public Prosecutors.

This workshop was organized under the Africa Regional Migration Programme funded by the Bureau for Population, Refugee and Migration of the US Department of State.

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