Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – From 21 to 23 February 2025, a national workshop on awareness of the risks associated with irregular migration, as well as a Training of Trainers (ToT), were held for the Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM) and joint coordination committees of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Facilitated by UNODC under the EU-funded GLO.ACT (PROTECT) project, the training aimed to enhance officials understanding of irregular migration and migrant smuggling and build their knowledge on legislative frameworks, national strategies, international agreements, and potential avenues for cooperation.
The workshop included a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) programme to ensure long-term impact and institutional integration. Participants developed essential training techniques, communication strategies, and instructional methodologies. Through intensive case studies and collaborative exercises, officers gained practical skills to identify migration risks, respond to migrant smuggling operations, and effectively manage complex criminal investigations.
The workshop included a representative who had lost a family member during an irregular migration journey, bringing a powerful personal perspective to the discussions about the real human costs and tragic consequences of dangerous migration pathways. in addition, the training brought together key stakeholders from across Iraq, including representatives from the Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Joint Crisis Coordination Centre, the Prime Minister's Office, State Council, and Ministry of Interior.The Human Rights Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq also joined, highlighting the collaborative approach between government bodies and international organizations to address this critical issue.
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The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is implementing the European Union-(EU) funded PROTECT initiative within the framework of GLO.ACT across Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. This initiative also addresses challenges in the broader Central Asia region, including the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, with a primary focus on enhancing the effectiveness of responses to trafficking in persons (TIP) and smuggling of migrants (SOM), particularly in relation to criminal justice. Meanwhile, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is responsible for implementing the PROTECT initiative in Afghanistan (specifically through virtual MRC Afghanistan), Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Their primary objectives include improving gender-sensitive and rights-based migration governance at the national level and establishing Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs).
The project is funded by the European Union.
For more information, please contact:
Martin Reeve (Mr.), Coordinator, GLO.ACT, Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section, UNODC
Email: martin.reeve@un.org
Golda Myra ROMA (Ms.), Senior Project Manager, ICMPD Silk Routes Region – Budapest Process
Email: Golda.Roma@icmpd.org
