April 3-5 | Perseverance, Seychelles: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) jointly conducted a pivotal training workshop aimed at enhancing the capacities of law enforcement officials in Seychelles. The three-days’ workshop conducted from 3 to 5 April 2024, at the Military Training Support Centre (MTSC) in Perseverance, Seychelles was an aim to equip law enforcement officials with the necessary knowledge and skills rooted in a right-based approach to strengthen Seychelles’ commendable efforts in combatting trafficking in persons.

Specifically designed for front-line officers of law enforcement entities such as police, immigration and the labor inspectorate, key thematic areas of the training included international legal frameworks on transnational organized crimes, identification of victims of trafficking, investigation techniques for trafficking in persons cases, victim protection, a right-based approach to combatting trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants, and prosecution strategies against traffickers.

“Beyond the technical skills, this training is synonymous to a reaffirmation of our shared values and principles – a commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. It is important to remember the survivors who have endured unimaginable suffering and the families torn apart by this cruel trade. Let their stories inspire us to redouble our efforts, to work tirelessly until every victim is rescued, every perpetrator brought to justice and every community safeguard from the horrors of trafficking in persons,” highlighted the representative of IOM Mauritius & Seychelles

Seychelles, recognized as a Tier 1 country in the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report by the US Department of State, has demonstrated significant progress in combating trafficking in persons. Despite the noteworthy achievements, there were different gaps identified, such as the lack of inspections in the Seychelles International Trade Zone (SITZ) and pending legislation regarding passport retention by employers of migrant workers.

The three-days capacity development sessions served as a platform for an increased understanding of Trafficking in Persons (TiP), aligned with international standards, enhanced capacities of law enforcement officials in respecting victims of trafficking’s rights, maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders, and identifying gaps in trafficking in persons’ management for further strengthening the response against trafficking in persons. This initiative was made possible through the European Union (EU)-funded Southern Africa Migration Management (SAMM) project, which aims to improve migration management in the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region. The training sessions were organized within the One-UN principle, showcasing collaboration between IOM and UNODC.

For more information, please contact:

Chief of Mission: Alia Hirji |ahirji@iom.int |Tel: +230 210 4250
Communication: Simla Pertaub| spertaub@iom.int | Tel: +230 210 4250
Media: IOM Mauritius| iommauritius@iom.int | Tel: +230 210 4250
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Website: https://www.iom.int/