Ashraf AboArafe
On 15 October, British Deputy Head of Mission Helen Winterton attended the Opening Ceremony for a series of UK-funded training workshops, in cooperation with the UNODC, to strengthen the capacity of Egyptian prosecutors to investigate and prosecute migrant smuggling and people trafficking.
The workshops will build the capacity of criminal justice authorities in Egypt, to effectively prevent, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate cases of migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons.
The UK Deputy Head of Mission attended the event alongside Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairperson of the National Committee for Preventing and Combating Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM & TIP), Counsellor Kamel Samir, the Director of the International Cooperation and Human Rights Division of the Prosecutor General’s Office and Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative for the Middle East and the North Africa.
Deputy Head of Mission Helen Winterton said: “Last year an estimated 5000 people died trying to cross the Mediterranean in boats. The UK commends the strong action taken by the Egyptian Government to implement new anti-smuggling legislation and prevent departures from the north coast.
‘’We are pleased to support the Egyptian Government’s work by providing EGP 75.9m to deliver a range of migration projects in Egypt, including these UNODC workshops and other activities. This will assist the Egyptian Government’s work to implement its new anti-smuggling strategy and law.”,added Helen.
More widely, the UK is committed to working with Egypt and other international partners across the region to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people. Next year we will be implementing a £75 million regional project to support vulnerable migrants and refugees. The UK is also one of the leading countries in resettling vulnerable refugees from the region.”
