Somalia: 21 Puntland Police Officers Receive Anti-Human Trafficking Skills

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following a five days joint EUCAP Nestor UNODC Human trafficking investigation techniques course-press release

21 Puntland Police Officers Receive Human Trafficking Investigation Skills

Somalilandsun- From November 14th to 20th the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office in Eastern Africa organized an investigation technique course with emphasis on human trafficking for the Puntland Police in Garowe (Puntland State of Somalia). 

Twenty-one police officers, aged between 20 and 60, four of which female, attended the training. 

Twenty-one police officers, aged between 20 and 60, four of which female, attended the training. 

UNODC organized the basic investigation course as it seeks to support law enforcement interventions in Somalia. Their mandate is to assist law enforcement authorities, identify, investigate, dismantle and prosecute criminal elements promoting transnational organized crime activities. 

On November 15th, EUCAP Nestor Legal Advisor Juha Sepponen taught a session on “Legislation relevant to criminal investigations” in order to refresh and enhance the participants’ knowledge on the legal framework of conducting criminal investigations. 

The course was opened by the Puntland Police Commissioner who reiterated its importance given the contemporary nature of the subject matter and the intricate difficulties experienced in investigating and prosecuting both trafficking and smuggling of migrants. 

“I’m very thankful to all the organizers and teachers of the training. This is really helpful for my work as a criminal investigator”, said Abdi Fatah Abdikadir Ahmed, one of the students after the second day of the training. 

“The students were really motivated, knowledgeable and the discussion was lively. This kind of cooperation between international actors in organizing trainings together is very rewarding, not only for the organizers but also for the participants. UNODC has done a great job putting the training together,added Juha Sepponen. 

EUCAP Nestor is a civilian EU mission, under the auspices of the Common Security and Defence Policy, which assists Somalia in strengthening its capacity to ensure maritime security and in particular to fight piracy.