Switzerland - IOM and INTERPOL have signed a cooperation agreement that will enhance cooperation between the two bodies on border security to better combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

IOM Director General William Lacy Swing and INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble signed the agreement, which formalizes the already strong working relationship between the two agencies, at a meeting in Geneva this week.

Key elements include information exchange, in particular relating to travel document fraud, border management technology and operations, capacity building and training for police and migration officials, and implementing joint projects to address human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

“IOM and INTERPOL have a long history of collaboration in the field of border and migration management,” said Ambassador Swing.

“This agreement will allow us to deepen that partnership to advance matters of common interest through increased collaboration, consultation and information exchange. It will also provide a foundation for the development of future projects which will benefit from joint INTERPOL and IOM expertise,” he added.

Secretary General Noble said that the agreement would help global efforts to identify the individuals and organized crime networks behind human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

“Ensuring that frontline officers have access to the training and policing tools they need to make vital and often time-pressured decisions about individuals attempting to enter their country is crucial,” said Mr. Noble.

“INTERPOL’s agreement with IOM will enable both organizations to provide even more support to law enforcement around the world in securing their borders, rescuing victims of human trafficking and identifying those involved in people smuggling,” he noted.

For more information please contact

Chris Lom
IOM HQ
Email: clom@iom.int
Tel. +41791038720.