The first large-scale regional simulation exercise to be organised by the Council of Europe in the framework of its joint programmes with the European Union and in partnership with the Government of Malta is taking place from 23-29 October in Valletta, Malta. It represents a unique approach to improve the coordination, detection and referral of victims of trafficking on migration routes.
Held for the first time in the Southern Mediterranean region, the event, entitled “Human Trafficking on Migration Routes”, brings together more than 100 participants and experts, including representatives of governments, judges and prosecutors, law enforcement, social and medical services, labour inspectorates, civil society and the media from Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Palestine*, Portugal, Switzerland, Tunisia and the UK.
Resulting from joint efforts in strengthening regional cooperation, the regional simulation takes stock of the establishment of the Tunisian National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings, which was launched in 2021 by the National Body for Combating Trafficking in Persons (INLCTP) with the support of the joint EU-Council of Europe project to “Support Independent Bodies in Tunisia”. The Tunisian National Referral Mechanism is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
This activity is organised in the framework of the joint programmes between the European Union and the Council of Europe entitled “Protecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean” (South Programme V) and “Project to Support Independent Bodies in Tunisia” (PAII-T) co-funded by both organisations and implemented by the Council of Europe.
* This designation shall not be construed as a designation of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of Council of Europe member States on this issue