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A unique tool to help fight human trafficking across the world was launched by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) at its 92 nd Council session in Geneva.
The IOM Counter- Trafficking Training Modules are a cost effective, comprehensive tool that draw on IOM’s extensive knowledge on the subject, offering a ‘how to’ approach on issues relating to victims’ protection and assistance. These modules can be quickly adapted globally and translated for delivery at a modest cost through IOM Missions. Depending on location and available training staff, the cost for a training session is approximately US$7,000. To date, some 700 persons in 25 countries have been trained using the Modules.
The Modules were presented by Richard Danziger, Head of IOM’s Counter-Trafficking Division. Ellen Sauerbrey, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), Kelly Ryan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of PRM, and Vernon E.L. Burrows, Director of The Bahamas Immigration Department joined Danziger during the presentation.
For the past decade, IOM has worked with governments and communities to combat human trafficking. IOM is currently carrying out more than 150 counter-trafficking projects in some 70 countries of origin, transit, and destination. To date, the Organization has provided direct assistance to more than 10,000 persons.
“Despite increasing awareness of the problem, there is still tremendous misinformation about human trafficking. The complexity of human trafficking requires targeted education and awareness-raising, training and capacity building at a variety of levels in order to develop an effective, multi-pronged approach – from victim service providers to law enforcement officers, media and advocacy groups to legislators and policy advisors within government agencies,” said Richard Danziger.
The Modules trainings were developed, with funding from the U.S. government, through a participatory, field based approach that involved IOM experts from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. Pilot trainings have been held in the Netherlands Antilles, Jamaica, South Africa, Indonesia, Cambodia and Suriname.
The Modules consolidate IOM’s global counter-trafficking experience into practical “how to” trainings on key counter-trafficking topics: Information Campaigns, Cooperation and Networking, Return and Reintegration, Capacity Building, Direct Assistance, Victim Identification and Interviewing Techniques, and Children.
The Modules have been developed as training tools for target audiences with varying levels of knowledge. Each one begins with basic concepts and definitions related to human trafficking, including activities. The Modules enhance understanding of some of the key elements necessary in building a comprehensive counter-trafficking strategy.
“I am very proud that the United States is a world leader in the fight against trafficking in persons. The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) has chosen IOM as our primary implementing partner for anti-trafficking programs because of IOM’s extensive expertise in the field. We have contributed approximately $30 million to IOM since 1998 in support of anti-trafficking activities. The Modules reflect the excellent collaboration between IOM and PRM and the strong commitment of IOM and the U.S. government in combating the global phenomenon of trafficking,” said Assistant Secretary Sauerbrey.
The IOM Counter-Trafficking Training Modules are funded by the US Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).
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