The program, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the René Cassin Foundation, brings together 60 auditors from 12 African countries.
This 8th session on international human rights law specifically targets emerging criminal activities like cybercrime, cyber-harassment, child sexual exploitation, economic crime, and environmental crime.
Alexandra Heldt, West Africa Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, emphasized the urgency of addressing these new threats. “These crimes destabilize and hinder development efforts across Africa, including here in Côte d’Ivoire,” she explained.
Côte d’Ivoire, as a transit and destination point for some of these crimes, faces challenges in combating networks that exploit people and undermine fundamental rights. Heldt highlighted the significant financial toll of economic crimes like tax evasion and money laundering, which divert resources crucial for development. She cited a staggering statistic: Africa loses nearly $50 billion annually to illicit financial flows, surpassing official development assistance. Environmental crime, encompassing illegal logging and the exploitation of natural resources, also poses a major threat with the estimated annual loss for West Africa’s logging industry reaching $17 million.
“By equipping experts like auditors, security forces, and lawyers with strategies to combat crime while upholding human rights,” Heldt stated, “this session will significantly contribute to security and sustainable development in Africa and Côte d’Ivoire.”
Ameline Tison, Programme Manager at the Rene Cassin Foundation, added that the rise of new technologies has facilitated the internationalization of criminal activities.
Representatives from Côte d’Ivoire’s government, including Aissata Kouamé representing the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, and Epiphane Zoro, President of the High Authority for Good Governance, acknowledged the significant obstacles emerging crimes pose to stability, security, and economic growth. They emphasized Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption, money laundering, and all forms of economic crime.
This training session unites participants from Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, DRC, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Central African Republic, Senegal, South Sudan, and Chad. By equipping auditors with the knowledge and skills to combat these evolving criminal threats, the program aims to pave the way for a safer and more prosperous future for Africa.
AP/fss/abj/APA