EUCAP Nestor contributes to UNODC Investigation Techniques Course on Human Trafficking in Puntland
From November 14th to 20th the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office in Eastern Africa organized an investigation technique course with emphasis on human trafficking for the Puntland Police in Garowe (Puntland State of Somalia).
Twenty-one police officers, aged between 20 and 60, four of which women, attended the training.
Findings of an assessment conducted by UNODC indicate that Puntland is a major hub for mixed migration movements emanating from Ethiopia and Somalia. Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, separated children, and victims of trafficking congregate in the port city of Bossaso, the main embarkation point for movements across the Arabian Sea to Yemen.
UNODC organized the basic investigation course as it seeks to support law enforcement interventions in Somalia. Their mandate is to assist law enforcement authorities, identify, investigate, dismantle and prosecute criminal elements promoting transnational organized crime activities.
On November 15th, EUCAP Nestor Legal Advisor Juha Sepponen taught a session on “Legislation relevant to criminal investigations” in order to refresh and enhance the participants’ knowledge on the legal framework of conducting criminal investigations.
The course was opened by the Puntland Police Commissioner who reiterated its importance given the contemporary nature of the subject matter and the intricate difficulties experienced in investigating and prosecuting both trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
“I’m very thankful to all the organizers and teachers of the training. This is really helpful for my work as a criminal investigator”, said Abdi Fatah Abdikadir Ahmed, one of the students after the second day of the training.
“The students were really motivated, knowledgeable and the discussion was lively. This kind of cooperation between international actors in organizing trainings together is very rewarding, not only for the organizers but also for the participants. UNODC has done a great job putting the training together,” added Juha Sepponen.
Background
EUCAP Nestor is a civilian EU mission, under the auspices of the Common Security and Defence Policy, which assists Somalia in strengthening its capacity to ensure maritime security and in particular to fight piracy.
EUCAP Nestor – Somalia Office
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