10 May 2019, Addis Ababa - The Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD’s) Security Sector Program (IGAD SSP) and INTERPOL held discussion on Disrupting the Finances of Criminal Networks responsible for Human Smuggling and Trafficking in the Horn of Africa. The discussion examined the existing trafficking and smuggling networks in the Greater Horn of Africa (GHoA) region, their mode of operation, and how existing anti-money laundering tools and instruments could be used to disrupt these networks. It also addressed the need to strengthen international cooperation in combating these networks, including the establishment of a partnership between INTERPOL and IGAD to cooperate in the development of a regional strategy and the building of institutional capacities to counter human smuggling and trafficking as well as to disrupt related illicit financial flows.
The event included presentation of a report commissioned by the European Union Trust Fund (EUTF) and conducted by the Research and Evidence Facility (REF), entitled “Disrupting the Finances of Criminal Networks Responsible for Human Smuggling and Trafficking”.
The purpose of the discussion was to introduce a partnership between IGAD and INTERPOL in the fight against human smuggling and trafficking, and other crimes which makes use of the available resources within the two organizations. Experts from IGAD Security Sector Program, INTERPOL, the REF and Sahan Foundation discussed in detail regarding the report including its recommendation and way forward as well as on the key strategic directions in preventing and countering human trafficking and smuggling and disrupting criminals and their networks. Representatives of the IGAD Members States, Members of the diplomatic community, and other stakeholders participated in the discussion. (END)