This report reflects the outcomes of a Workshop on how to better protect women in North Africa, particularly refugees, from the devastating effects of human trafficking (HT). In-depth discussions involving regional experts, academia, practitioners and parliamentarians investigated the many facets of this rapidly growing scourge with a view to identifying practical approaches to address the matter more effectively.

Background

Human Trafficking is a complex phenomenon and has become the most pervasive criminal market worldwide. The most common form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, and the victims of sexual exploitation are predominantly women and girls. Efforts to protect and rehabilitate victims exist but improvement is necessary. In recent years, the vital role women can play in peace and security has come to the fore. Conflict and instability, both of which disproportionately affect women and girls, are primary root causes of HT. in turn, the complex dynamics of HT and its relationship with crime and terrorism directly impact international security.

This workshop was a collaboration between the NSD-S Hub and the University of Bari, a member of the Union of Mediterranean Universities (UNIMED). Also actively involved were a representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and a member of the Arab Women's Organization (AWO) were.

Key Insights

The feminization of human trafficking, particularly regarding labour, has increased in recent years and refugee women, who constitute a high percentage of forced migrants, often becoming victims of violence and exploitation.
Appropriate and effectively enforced national and international legislation, including innovative investigating and prosecuting methods which incorporate gender and child protection, are urgently needed. Well-trained prosecutors and judges play a crucial role in countering HT.
Building trust with HT victims is crucial since their testimonies are critical to investigations, successful prosecutions and the further development of policies and legislation. Therefore, a more victim-centred approach must be developed.
Women and children, including refugees, who become victims of HT and other associated crimes can become unwilling participants in international organised crime organisations and terrorist groups, thereby detrimentally affecting security and stability. Greater effort is required in the consideration of such victims, as many existing approaches are demonstrably inadequate.
Financial insecurity can be a major factor pushing women into becoming victims of HT.
Finding the right balance between ensuring public security and protecting human rights must be at the core of any counter-HT policies.

Recommendations

There is a need to develop specific policies and programmes to protect refugee women since they are particularly susceptible to HT.
Legislation to counter HT, as well as investigation and prosecution methods, need to be improved. The use of new technology, including artificial intelligence, could prove highly beneficial.
The promotion of new policies focused on social aspects, financial assistance and labour for women, including enhancing their skill sets, could strengthen their resilience against the criminal networks that exploit them.

panel 1

Subjects, activities and purposes of human trafficking in North Africa: impact on international security

Zineb Benalla

Professor of Alakhawayn University - CEO Eirene Associates international.

Profile

Jihane Ben Yahia

Programs Officer at Global Center on Coop. Security France Transnational Organized Crime and Human trafficking.

Profile

Camille Antunes

EU IRU -Europol European Counter Terrorism Centre Online terrorist propaganda and the justifications for human trafficking by jihadist terrorist organizations.

Profile

Halima Ouanada

President of the Tunisian Association of Enlightenment Studies (ATEL), expert on mobility in the Mediterranean and UNIMED coordinator.

Profile

panel 2

Refugee women and human trafficking: resilience and international cooperation for law enforcement and prevention

Laura Sabrina Martucci

University professor of Comparative Ecclesiastical Law at Step - University of Bari Aldo Moro

profile

Khadija Elmadmad

Law Professor, Attorney and an International Consultant. Director of the UNESCO Centre

profile

Dina Fazzani

Project manager in WaSH activities at Action Against Hunger and a researcher in women's empowerment.

profile

Naela Gabr

Chairperson of The Nat. Coord. Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons

profile

Gennaro Migliore

Deputy of the Italian Republic, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM)

Profile

Erika Monticone

Engagement Manager at NATO

profile

Women Refugees And Human Trafficking In North Africa: Impact And Implications For Security

Background

Key Insights

Recommendations

panel 1

Zineb Benalla

Jihane Ben Yahia

Camille Antunes

Halima Ouanada

panel 2

Laura Sabrina Martucci

Khadija Elmadmad

Dina Fazzani

Naela Gabr

Gennaro Migliore

Erika Monticone

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