Anti-Human Trafficking: U.S. Supports Morocco’s Efforts with $2.5 Mln Grant
The United States is supporting Morocco’s efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking with a $2.5 Million donation aimed at reinforcing the detection, identification, protection, return and rehabilitation of victims of this serious crime.
The announcement was made Friday by U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar in presence of Director of Moroccan National Commission for the Coordination of Measures to Combat & Prevent trafficking in Persons Hicham Mellati, UN Resident Coordinator Nathalie Fustier, IOM Morocco Chief of Mission Laura Palatini, UNODC Head of Office Siham Al Figuigui, and ILO Morocco Focal Point Aurelia Segatti.
The grant was made by State Department’s Office to Monitor & Combat Trafficking in Persons, to IOM with its implementing partners, UN Office on Drugs & Crime and the International Labor Organization.
The U.S. fund will be used by the UN Agencies to support the Moroccan government to open the country’s first shelters with specialized care for victims of human trafficking, thus ensuring that survivors have access to comprehensive and specialized services.
These are important steps toward implementation of Morocco’s 2023-2030 National Plan to Combat and Prevent Human Trafficking, and the National Referral Mechanism for Victims of Human Trafficking.
Ambassador Talwar praised Morocco’s efforts to hold sex and labor traffickers criminally accountable, identify trafficking victims and prevent this heinous crime.
Ms. Nathalie Fustier thanked the United States for the financial contribution, voicing commitment to further support Morocco in its efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, protect and assist victims, and prosecute perpetrators.
The project aims to improve the protection of human trafficking victims, while helping them recover from the trauma and ensuring that they are integrated into their communities.
