A regional meeting on combating human trafficking has begun in the Maldives. The meeting will run from 12 to 14 May.
The meeting is jointly organised by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The main objectives of the meeting are to strengthen regional cooperation, improve the collection, analysis and sharing of information on illegal migration and trafficking, identify trafficking incidents, protect victims, support investigations, and develop stronger policies against trafficking and smuggling.
Six countries are participating in the regional meeting, including representatives from India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Representatives from the Maldives include officials from Maldives Police Service, Maldives Immigration and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (Anti-TIP) Office.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Dr. Abdulla Phairoosch stressed the importance of regional cooperation, evidence-based approaches, and joint efforts to prevent crimes such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The Homeland Security Ministry said the meeting is expected to improve institutional capacity, strengthen national information-sharing systems, and deepen cooperation with regional and international partners against cross-border crimes.