Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire have recently signed a memorandum of understanding in Abidjan to enhance bilateral cooperation in combating and preventing human trafficking, particularly of women and children.
The cooperation agreement on fighting human trafficking between the two countries was signed by Hicham Mellati, Director of Criminal Affairs and coordinator of Morocco’s National Commission against Human Trafficking, and Myss Belmonde Dogo, Cote d’Ivoire’s Minister of National Cohesion.
The agreement aims to bolster coordination between the two countries to tackle transnational criminal networks, raise awareness about the dangers of this crime, and ensure the protection and reintegration of victims.
According to the 2024 Global Report on Human Trafficking by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the number of detected victims increased by 25% between 2019 and 2022.
“The fight against human trafficking, especially in migratory contexts, requires concerted cooperation among countries of origin, transit, and destination,” Mr. Mellati noted.
A working meeting allowed both parties to share their experiences and outline an action plan for 2025-2026.
This plan includes capacity building, temporary housing for victims, and the development of a dedicated administrative database.
The memorandum reflects a shared commitment by both countries to combat this scourge while promoting a coordinated and humanitarian approach, in line with international conventions ratified by both states.
SL/Sf/te/as/APA