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Combating Human Trafficking: Morocco's Unwavering Commitment Receives US and UN Support

Saturday 11 May 2024 - 11:47

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In a significant move to combat the scourge of human trafficking, Morocco has undertaken a comprehensive national strategy spanning from 2023 to 2030. This unwavering commitment has garnered international recognition and support, as evidenced by the recent unveiling of a $2.5 million grant from the United States to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Rabat.

The grant, announced on Friday by the US Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, aims to bolster the Kingdom's efforts in safeguarding victims, ensuring their rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration, and intensifying the crackdown on perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

Morocco's dedication to combating human trafficking has yielded tangible results, with US officials revealing that at least 474 victims have been identified and more than 720 individuals involved in these criminal activities have been apprehended. This feat underscores the nation's resolute stance against such abhorrent practices.

The collaborative efforts between Morocco, the United States, and the United Nations are rooted in a shared commitment to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. This collective endeavor will manifest through the establishment of reception and accommodation centers for victims, aligning with the objectives and content of Morocco's national plan to combat and prevent human trafficking, as well as the national referral mechanism for victims.

During the event, Ambassador Talwar emphasized that combating human trafficking, supporting and assisting victims, and developing preventive approaches in this field are universal concerns. He affirmed the United States' steadfast commitment to strengthening partnerships with international organizations and governments to eradicate this scourge, actively involving civil society in these efforts.

Nathalie Fustier, the UN Resident Coordinator in Morocco, echoed the gravity of the issue, highlighting that human trafficking is a complex phenomenon affecting millions worldwide, regardless of age or gender. She underscored the necessity of protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening international cooperation to effectively tackle this challenge.

Fustier commended Morocco's significant strides in combating human trafficking, including ratifying the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2011, adopting appropriate legislation, and establishing the National Committee for the Coordination of Measures to Combat and Prevent Human Trafficking in 2019. Additionally, she lauded the Kingdom's recent launch of the national strategy to combat human trafficking from 2023 to 2030 and the opening of the first government assistance center for victims last April.

While acknowledging the challenges and threats faced by Africa, Moroccan and American officials expressed confidence in Morocco's commitment to addressing these issues. They highlighted the collaborative programs in place to strengthen international judicial cooperation and coordination with African countries, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and exchange of experiences in this critical domain.

As Morocco continues its steadfast efforts to combat human trafficking, the support from the United States and the United Nations underscores the global commitment to eradicating this heinous crime and protecting the vulnerable. Through concerted international collaboration and unwavering determination, progress can be achieved in safeguarding human dignity and upholding the fundamental rights of all individuals.