International Reports

92nd INTERPOL General Assembly

The Santa Marta Group is pleased to share insights from the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly, held from November 4th to 7th, 2024, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This important global event brought together senior law enforcement officials to discuss key topics impacting international policing, including advancements in biometric capabilities, AI's role in future policing, and strengthening multilateral security frameworks. Highlights included the appointment of Valdecy Urquiza of Brazil as the next Secretary General and key resolutions shaping INTERPOL’s future activities.

Learn more about the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly

OSCE Anti-Trafficking Policy Brief

OSCE Special Representative Kari Johnstone shares a video discussing her latest report on combating human trafficking. She highlights the importance of international cooperation and coordinated efforts to address trafficking challenges, underscoring the need for stronger protective measures for vulnerable populations.

Watch Kari Johnstone’s video here.

Kari Johnstone has also authored a new policy brief titled New Frontiers: The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Trafficking in Persons. This report explores how generative AI is being misused by traffickers and the potential it holds for supporting anti-trafficking efforts. Developed with input from global experts, the brief highlights the challenges and opportunities AI presents in combating human trafficking. It is part of the OSCE’s ongoing work to address technology-facilitated crimes and improve international cooperation in this field.

Read the full report here.

United Kingdom and Ireland

The Headlines

PM speech to the INTERPOL General Assembly: 4 November 2024
In his speech at the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly on November 4, 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need for global cooperation to combat organised crime, especially people smuggling. He announced increased UK funding for INTERPOL, focusing on better data-sharing and cross-border security. Starmer called for stronger international efforts to tackle human trafficking, comparing it to a security threat similar to terrorism.
Read more at at gov.uk

We must stop smuggling gangs before they act - Starmer

This report covers Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of a £75 million funding increase for the UK’s Border Security Command (BSC) to tackle human trafficking. In his speech at the INTERPOL General Assembly, Starmer emphasised using counter-terrorism tactics against smuggling gangs, with additional resources for investigators and intelligence-sharing. The report also includes criticisms from former immigration officials regarding the feasibility of these measures in curbing illegal migration.
Read more at bbc.com

OSCE report on combating trafficking in human beings: UK response

This report outlines the UK's response to the OSCE's efforts in combating human trafficking, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK praises the OSCE's monitoring of trafficking risks exacerbated by Russia's war and emphasises the need for stronger protection measures for vulnerable individuals, especially women and children. The report also highlights the UK's commitment to eradicating modern slavery and forced labor, including efforts to address business-related human rights abuses and the use of AI in facilitating trafficking. Additionally, it acknowledges the importance of including survivors' voices in anti-trafficking initiatives.

Read more at gov.uk.

Regional Stories

England

Recent UK operations have made significant strides in combatting human trafficking and modern slavery. In Lancashire, a week of targeted actions focused on exploitation in Preston, while a man was arrested in Leeds as part of the “largest-ever” crackdown on human trafficking. These efforts align with INTERPOL's Operation Liberterra II, disrupting global trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals.

• Lancashire: Week of operations targeting exploitation in Hertfordshire
• Leeds: Leeds man arrested in largest-ever crackdown on human trafficking

Scotland

As highlighted in previous editions of the newsletter, modern slavery continues to be a significant issue within Scotland’s fishing industry. Recently, in Argyll, two men were arrested on human trafficking charges, and police conducted a raid on a fishing boat following a modern slavery allegation, further underscoring the ongoing efforts to combat exploitation in the sector.

• Argyll: Two men arrested from fishing boats for human trafficking offences.
• Argyll: Watch: Police target fishing boat over 'modern slavery' claim.

  
  

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, efforts to tackle human trafficking and people smuggling are ongoing. Recently, a man was arrested in Belfast as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. Meanwhile, in Belfast and Lisburn, a charity has raised concerns, stating that human trafficking remains a significant problem in the region.

• Belfast: Man arrested in Northern Ireland as part of NCA people smuggling investigation.
• Lisburn: Charity claims human trafficking 'huge' problem in Northern Ireland.

  
  

Republic of Ireland

In Ireland, as part of the ongoing Operation Liberterra II, two suspected human traffickers were arrested at Dublin Airport by the gardaí. This operation continues to highlight the global collaboration in tackling human trafficking and modern slavery.

• Dublin: Two suspected human traffickers arrested at Dublin Airport, gardaí reveal.

Europe

In Europe, INTERPOL’s Operation Liberterra II played a key role in tackling human trafficking this month. The EU responded to the OSCE’s report, emphasising regional cooperation. The French government jailed 18 people involved in a migrant-trafficking and Portugal arrested seven individuals in its largest anti-trafficking operation. In Romania, delays continue in the court case against the Tate brothers on trafficking charges.

• EU: EU Statement in Response to the Report by the OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Dr. Kari Johnstone.

  
  

• France: French court jails 18 in migrant-trafficking case.

  
  

• Poland: This year, Poland detains 195 Ukrainians on human trafficking charges.

  
  

• Portugal: Largest operation “of all time” against human trafficking sees seven arrested in Portugal.

  
  

• Romania: Detained in Romania, Tate brothers keep delaying court case.

Africa

In Nigeria, efforts to combat human trafficking are strengthening through collaboration between faith-based organisations, state authorities, and police. Traditional institutions are partnering with local authorities to combat human trafficking, demonstrating the growing role of community involvement in the fight against this crime in Kebbi state, Nigeria. Meanwhile, in Guinea-Bissau, a UN expert is set to assess the trafficking situation, highlighting international support for the issue.

• Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau: UN expert to assess trafficking in persons.

  
  

• Nigeria: Kebbi To Partner Traditional Institutions On Human Trafficking.

  
  

Asia and Oceania

In Asia and Oceania, efforts to combat human trafficking are intensifying through collaboration and innovative approaches. In Myanmar, a trafficking gang using social media to exploit girls for forced labor has been dismantled. Australia's largest airports have joined forces to enhance human trafficking prevention, while South Korea's rights commission has classified the abuse of foreign seasonal workers as trafficking. In India, six individuals were sentenced to life for a 2019 cross-border trafficking case, and Oman is reviewing its efforts with the US to strengthen anti-trafficking measures. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, Talitha Kum is empowering local nuns and youth to combat trafficking through education and support initiatives.

• Australia: Australia's largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking.

  
  

• Bangladesh: Talitha Kum is empowering Bangladeshi nuns, youth.

  
  

• India: Nampally court sentences six to life for cross-border human trafficking in 2019 case.

  
  

• Myanmar: Myanmar detains trafficking gang using Facebook, TikTok to lure girls to China.

  
  

• Oman: Oman, US review efforts to combat human trafficking.

  
  

• South Korea: Rights commission rules abuse of foreign seasonal workers as human trafficking.

Latin America

OCCRP reports on Brazilian municipal candidates accused of involvement in modern slavery, exploiting workers in forced labor on farms. This highlights ongoing issues with labor exploitation in Brazil, stressing the need for stronger enforcement of labor protections.

• Mexico: Cartel members sanctioned for drug, human trafficking ties.

  
  

North America

The U.S., represented by Katherine Brucker, praised Kari Johnstone's report on combating trafficking, emphasising trauma-informed care, survivor leadership, and addressing emerging issues like AI. With over $2 million in U.S. support for anti-trafficking projects, the U.S. stressed continued collaboration and urged adopting a Unified Budget to sustain progress despite financial challenges.

• United States: Response to the Report by the Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.