Spain delivers workshop for Egyptian prosecutors on human trafficking, migrant smuggling

CAIRO – 22 January 2023: Within the CONMIGO project (Cooperation on Migration Governance), a three-day workshop was held on January 17-19 for Egyptian prosecutors on human trafficking and migrant smuggling. 

The workshop was delivered at the Criminal Research and Training Institute in Cairo in collaboration of the Prosecutor General Bureau.

Leveraging Spain’s expertise in migration governance, the workshop covered a variety of topics, including the international legal framework to deal with these crimes, as well as investigation procedures, money laundering and the Hawala system.

The workshop was also an opportunity for the Spanish and Egyptian prosecutors to exchange knowledge and experience on managing complex transnational cases. It also consisted of case studies, so as the attendees were able to put into practice what they had learnt on the final day. 

Ambassador Naela Gabr, chairwoman of the Egyptian National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP), stressed that human trafficking is not only an international crime, but also a violation of human rights.

Similarly, Spanish Ambassador to Egypt Alvaro Iranzo highlighted the commitment of Spain to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration as well as the Palermo Protocol. The diplomat further underlined that human trafficking affects the most vulnerable segments of the population, particularly women, which requires a gender-responsive justice system.

In line with Egypt’s National Strategy on Combating Illegal Migration, the CONMIGO project aims to bolster the capacity of Egyptian institutions, facilitate exchange of knowledge and technical expertise on migration governance, as well as raise awareness on the risks of irregular migration.

The project is funded by the European Union, and implemented by the Spanish Cooperation Agency and the NCCPIM&TIP.