Switzerland - IOM and the Human Rights Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday (8/12) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking, and to provide the victims with care, protection and shelter.

The agreement fulfils a desire of both parties to pursue closer cooperation in promoting the development and protection of human rights and acknowledges the growing global concern regarding human trafficking as an outrageous act and violation of human rights.

IOM and the Human Rights Commission will develop activities, programmes and national capacities in order to combat trafficking in persons and identify the victims and provide them with the protection and assistance they need.

During the signing ceremony in Geneva on the sidelines of the 107th IOM Council, President of the Human Rights Commission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Bandar Mohammed Alaiban said: “Under the instruction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given support and assistance to peoples in need in many parts of the world, especially countries such as Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia and more. Today we have signed a memorandum of technical cooperation with IOM to counter trafficking in persons, which the Kingdom is working very hard to combat. This memorandum will enhance the Kingdom’s efforts even more in this regard.”

IOM Director General, William Lacy Swing said: “This agreement is an important step to countering human trafficking worldwide and identifying and assisting victims. Such an agreement between IOM and the Human Rights Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a step towards further collaboration and strengthening of a longstanding relationship.”

Through this agreement, IOM will provide technical assistance, expertise and advisory services to the Human Rights Commission. Among other activities, this technical assistance will include developing the capabilities of specialists through manuals, workshops and more; enhancing assistance centres and shelters; contributing to the application of the various means and methods for the protection and assistance of victims; developing mechanisms for active search operations for victims; setting the proper mechanisms for providing the victims with legal, financial and moral support and helping them return to their countries voluntarily; and conducting field studies and collecting data on the various forms of trafficking in persons.

This agreement complements other partnership between the IOM and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the area of migration.

For further information please contact Hassan Abdel Moneim Mostafa at IOM HQ in Geneva, Tel: +41 22 717 9321, Email: habdelmoneim@iom.int