The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have signed a Statement of Partnership to enhance their strategic cooperation in tackling transnational organized crime related to migration. This new partnership aims to improve collective efforts and the efficiency of programs focusing on human trafficking, migrant smuggling, border management and security, terrorism prevention, and data collection, analysis, and use. These improvements will benefit migrants, Member States, and other partners.
In 2023, the highest number of migrant deaths was recorded, with thousands falling victim to trafficking and smuggling. IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized the importance of intensifying cross-sectoral responses to combat these crimes. She expressed satisfaction in renewing the partnership with UNODC, highlighting the commitment to jointly address these significant challenges.
UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly pointed out that conflicts, climate-related disasters, and economic inequality are forcing more people into the hands of smugglers and traffickers. She stressed the need for a comprehensive response rooted in international partnerships. Waly expressed her pleasure in signing the new Statement of Partnership with IOM, which will bolster efforts to tackle transnational organized crime while upholding the human rights of migrants and trafficking victims. The partnership also aims to ensure safe and regular migration pathways.
The collaboration between UNODC and IOM is longstanding, beginning with the Cooperation Agreement signed on April 17, 2012. They continue to work together through the UN Network on Migration and the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT). The renewed partnership will allow both organizations to identify common areas of interest for coordination and joint programming, advocating for regular migration pathways and protecting women and children. They will also focus on joint data collection and other initiatives.
As part of this collaboration, IOM and UNODC have published new guidance to leverage administrative data on trafficking in persons. They have also agreed to develop a new cooperation agreement and joint work plan to ensure robust operational cooperation.