INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: 1st Regional Popularization Workshop of the new AU Policies on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Africa

When: 15 - 17 August 2023

Where: Port Louis, Mauritius

Who: The African Union Commission, Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.

Why:  Over the past decade, irregular migration has been increasing in Africa due to complex factors including rising levels of poverty, the impact of climate change, political instability and conflicts, and multiple growing forms of inequality and discrimination in some member states. Whilst the decision to move irregularly may be involuntary, most citizens of AU member states fleeing their homes are usually vulnerably exposed to complex web of trafficking and smuggling networks along the migratory routes. As such, victims of Trafficking in Person (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) undergo various forms of abuse and violations which include forced labor, which constitutes 49% followed by 36% in the form of sexual exploitation, particularly women and children.^[1]

The Commission recently adopted new policies on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Africa. These policies are aimed at supporting the harmonization of the policy framework at regional and national levels to support effective prevention of this international crime. These policies provide proposals that will not only aim at building the capacity of national institutions to respond to the challenges associated with TIP and SOM at national levels, but also to build a framework for partnership and collaboration as well.

Objectives:

The objectives of the popularization meeting are to:

1. Sensitize member states and RECs on the new policies on the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Africa;
2. Share experiences and best practices of member states on TIP and SOM;
3. Establish a regional network of law enforcement agencies for future follow-up and review on the implementation of the policies;

Expected outputs:

1. Participants have an increased level of awareness of the policies.
2. A regional network for future follow-up and reviews on issues of TIP and SOM and the implementation of the Policies.

Participation at the event:

The 1^st regional popularization workshop will bring together senior officials from law enforcement agencies; relevant officers from Ministries/Departments in charge of combating irregular migration, especially TIP and SOM, from the Northern and Eastern regions of AU member states; RECs; relevant international partners including the UN agencies, representatives from the Commission and the AU migration centers.

Representatives of the media are invited to cover the opening of the workshop.

For further information, please contact:

Sabelo Mbokazi I Head of Labour, Employment and Migration Division | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: MbokaziS@africa-union.org  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia|

Geoffrey Wafula Kundu I Migration Program Coordinator | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 909537897 | E-mail: Geoffreyk@africa-union.org  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia|

Eliana Huo I Communication Officer | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission Tel: +251 903 406 948 | E-mail: ElianaD@africa-union.org   | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Gamal Ahmed I Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa- union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org |

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