WEST AFRICA: Leaders target trafficking in humans

WEST AFRICA: Leaders target trafficking in humans

ABIDJAN, 26 December (IRIN) - Leaders of the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS) decided at their 25th summit, which ended on
Friday in Dakar, Senegal, to set up special police units to combat
trafficking in humans beings - usually children and women -, the UN News
service reported. They also decided that special training would be
provided for police, customs and immigration officials, prosecutors and
judges.

The decisions form part of an action plan against trafficking in persons
that was developed in conjunction with UN crime prevention experts, UN
News said. It added that a protocol outlining a regional response against
corruption, also developed by ECOWAS with help from the UN Office for Drug
Control and Crime Prevention, was adopted at the meeting.

Other results of the summit included decisions aimed at enhancing peace,
stability and regional integration. Among other things, the leaders
condemned the activities of illegal armed groups and expressed support for
the work of UN humanitarian agencies in the region. They also called on
the international community to contribute more to bringing peace to West
Africa.

[ENDS]

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