INTERPOL Addresses Safeguarding Victims of Human Trafficking

One of INTERPOL Washington’s Supervisory Investigative Analysts represented the agency at the 5th INTERPOL Global Trafficking in Human Beings and Smuggling of Migrants Conference held in Doha, Qatar, December 6-7, 2017. According to INTERPOL, the conference focused on the essential role both the public and private sector play in preventing, detecting, reporting, disrupting and ultimately prosecuting those responsible for crimes which have no borders, and no limits. Michele Ford-Stepney was among 300 experts from law enforcement, public and private sectors, and non-governmental and international organizations from more than 90 countries. The conference addressed key human trafficking and people smuggling issues, including:

· Poly-criminality and new trends in migrant smuggling

· Reframing responses to trafficking in humans

· And international cooperation with non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Representatives from Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and the Department of Justice Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit gave presentations on topics related to Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling in the United States. Key themes among the presenters were the need for dedicated resources, global cooperation, and initial and ongoing assistance for victims.

Prior to the conference, Ford-Stepney attended the INTERPOL Specialized Operations Network (ISON) Against People Smuggling Workshop.  Several countries presented information on operational cases and initiatives, and provided an overview of case law, procedures, and best practices within their respective countries.