PIDC Regional Immigration Human Trafficking and People Smuggling Framework
In recognition of the serious transnational crime challenges faced by Pacific Island Countries and Territories, PIDC agreed to develop a regional immigration human trafficking and people smuggling framework to coordinate activities amongst the Membership.
To advance this work PIDC hosted an Executive Seminar to Combat Human Trafficking and People Smuggling in Apia, Samoa from 13-15 February 2019. Attended by over 30 Participants (Members and partner agencies), the Seminar was coordinated and facilitated by the PIDC Secretariat and supported by representatives of PIDC Members[1] with experts from partner organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Bali Process Regional Support Office (RSO), UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Labour Organisation (ILO), ACP-EU Migration Action Technical Assistance for PIDC (ACP-EU) and experts from the PIDC Membership.
At the Seminar, Participants were introduced to the international legal frameworks on transnational crime, human trafficking and people smuggling and were invited to share both national and regional experiences, case studies and lessons to develop a common understanding of the scope of human trafficking and people smuggling in the region.
As a result of the Seminar, participants developed a number of key recommendations to inform the development of a draft regional framework to guide PIDC national and collective actions. The draft Framework was presented to Members and the revised text is in the process of being finalised for endorsement by the Membership.
[1] Representing immigration departments from Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, New Zealand, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.