IOM and the Indonesian National Police are today hosting a two-day
training for Indonesian Marine Police officers to help them assist
migrants intercepted at sea and combat people smuggling.

The workshop, funded by the Australian and Canadian governments,
targets 56 Indonesian Maritime Police patrol boat commanders.
Indonesian Maritime Police vessels intercepted over 50 migrant
smuggling boats in Indonesian waters in the first half of 2011.

Speakers at the event include representatives of the Indonesian
government, the Australian Federal Police, the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police and IOM.

"Despite limited resources and almost no special training in
handling irregular migrants, the Marine Police have always
demonstrated their professionalism, humanity and restraint in
dealing with irregular migrants," said IOM Indonesia Chief of
Mission Denis Nihill.

"This workshop will address the challenges that they face,
identify areas in which they need international support and help
them to understand Indonesia's work with other governments to
combat people smuggling," he added.

"Canada places great importance on its partnership with the
Government of Indonesia and IOM to tackle the challenges posed by
human smugglers and address the humanitarian implications for the
victims," said Mackenzie Clugston, Canada's Ambassador to
Indonesia.

For further information please contact:

Nabiel Hayaze

IOM Jakarta

Tel: +62 21 57951275

E-mail: "mailto:nhayaze@iom.int">nhayaze@iom.int