The Regional Simulation on Referral of Victims of Human Trafficking in the Southern Mediterranean entitled “Human Trafficking on Migration Routes” will take place from 23 to 29 October 2022 in Valletta, Malta.
It is a first regional simulation exercise of this scope to be organised by the Council of Europe in the framework of its joint programmes with the European Union and in partnership with the Government of Malta.
Held for the first time in the Southern Mediterranean region, this event brings together more than 100 participants and experts, including representatives of governments, judges and prosecutors, law enforcement, social and medical services, labour inspectorates, civil society and the media from Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Palestine*, Portugal, Switzerland, Tunisia and the UK.
Resulting from joint efforts in strengthening regional cooperation, the regional simulation takes stock of the establishment of the Tunisian National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings, which was launched in 2021 by the National Body for Combating Trafficking in Persons (INLCTP) with the support of the joint EU-Council of Europe project to “Support Independent Bodies in Tunisia”. The Tunisian National Referral Mechanism is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The opening ceremony will be held in the morning of 24 October 2022 with the participation of Pilar Morales, Head of the Council of Europe Regional Office in Tunis and Coordinator of the Neighbourhood Policy with the Southern Mediterranean, and Leonie Aquilina, Director for International Development and Economic Affairs of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade.
The fight against human trafficking requires extensive cooperation and the use of common tools. The regional simulation-training targets professionals across sectors and is based on a comprehensive approach that places victims at the centre of any action. It offers an opportunity to further clarify the intersections and differences between human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
This activity is organised in the framework of the joint programmes between the European Union and the Council of Europe entitled “Protecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean” (South Programme V) and “Project to Support Independent Bodies in Tunisia” (PAII-T) co-funded by both organisations and implemented by the Council of Europe.
*This designation shall not be construed as a designation of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of Council of Europe member States on this issue
