A three-day Regional Forum on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for investigating and prosecuting trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling has concluded in Nairobi with a renewed call for regional coordination and commitment in the fight against transnational crime.
The high-level workshop, hosted at the Villa Rosa Kempinski, brought together 90 participants from Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti, and Kenya. The event is part of ongoing efforts to streamline legal and investigative approaches across East Africa to combat organized trafficking and protect vulnerable victims.
Speaking at the closure of the forum on behalf of the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Deputy Director Mr. Onyango emphasized the critical role SOPs play in fostering harmonized cross-border collaboration.
“Standard Operating Procedures are essential in promoting a coordinated approach to dismantling trafficking and smuggling networks. They also guide the proper identification and referral of victims for assistance, particularly when they are required to act as witnesses,” Mr. Onyango said.
The forum builds on earlier regional engagements held in September 2022 and November 2023 and marks a significant step in advancing the region's unified strategy against trafficking networks.
In a message delivered through Mr. Onyango, Director DCI Mr. Mohamed Amin reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to eradicating trafficking in persons and ensuring justice for victims. He underscored the importance of legal frameworks like the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act No. 8 of 2010 in guiding law enforcement actions and judicial processes.
“Kenya stands firm in its mission to dismantle trafficking syndicates and uphold the rights and dignity of all victims. Regional partnerships are key to achieving lasting impact,” Mr. Amin noted.
He also extended his gratitude to the event’s supporting partners, including the European Union, the German Federal Ministries for Economic Cooperation and Development, CIVIPOL, GIZ, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the ROCK Project.
The forum was attended by key dignitaries and development partners, including Marco Bufo, Regional Coordinator and Team Leader at CIVIPOL; Anne-Claire Zirnhelt, Director of Operations at CIVIPOL; Johanna Boegel, Regional Coordinator for the Better Migration Management Programme at GIZ; and Thomas Valetas from the French Ministry of Interior.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to sustain collaborative efforts, enhance victim protection protocols, and build stronger judicial and investigative frameworks across the region in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.