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Rabat – The US Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar announced on Friday in Rabat a grant of $2.5 million (MAD 25 million) to United Nations agencies in Morocco to support efforts in combating human trafficking.
The grant is allocated to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
It will be financed in multiple stages by the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, with the aim of strengthening the detection, identification, protection, repatriation, and reintegration of trafficking victims.
According to Ambassador Talwar, the funding will help UN agencies supporting the Moroccan government in opening the first reception centers for trafficking victims, with access to comprehensive and specialized services.
Speaking at a ceremony organized to celebrate the allocation, Talwar commended Morocco’s efforts in identifying human trafficking victims and holding traffickers accountable.
He also applauded the Moroccan government’s approval and widespread dissemination of a practical guide on victim identification, saying that it’s a “major step forward” in combating human trafficking.
Talwar also praised Morocco’s adoption of the National Plan and Mechanism for Trafficking Victims’ Referral, noting that the establishment of a hotline for victims is an important step in raising awareness.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Nathalie Fustier, the Resident Coordinator of the UN in Rabat, welcomed Morocco’s determination to intensify the fight against human trafficking. She also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to further support Morocco in this regard.
Morocco implemented last year a seven-year plan and a national referral mechanism, she recalled, emphasizing the “progress” the North African country made in this area.
Meanwhile, Hicham El Mellati, President of the National Coordination Commission for Measures to Combat and Prevent Human Trafficking (CNCLT), reiterated Morocco’s strong commitment to strengthening collaboration with other partners to combat human trafficking.
El Mellati also emphasized the need to promote coordination with relevant government departments and civil society. He recalled initiatives launched by stakeholders to give voice to victims through strengthened judicial procedures.
He noted that the CNCLT is currently working on developing several action programs, including the initial opening and equipping of reception centers for trafficking victims in the cities of Fez and Tangier.
