16 October 2024, Geneva – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) participated in the High-Level Event on Migration, Refugee Flows, and Trafficking in Persons, organized by the Sovereign Order of Malta and the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, and co-sponsored by UNHCR and the Permanent Missions of the Holy See and Italy. The High-Level Event was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Speaking on behalf of PAM, Amb. Gerhard Putman Cramer, PAM Permanent Observer to the UN in Geneva, highlighted the ongoing commitment of the Assembly to addressing the migration crisis and its devastating humanitarian impact at the global level.
In his intervention, Amb. Putman Cramer presented the PAM Awareness Campaign Against Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling, which obtained the support of the UNODC’s Blue Heart Campaign. He also highlighted the need for coordinated international action to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals. He concluded his intervention by launching a call to support and join the PAM Awareness Campaign.
Migrant smuggling is a transnational crime that requires a comprehensive and unified response. For this reason, PAM’s Campaign aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices among its Member States. A detailed questionnaire designed to collect data on national strategies, institutional frameworks, and legal measures for victim assistance, was completed by PAM Member States. These contributions have been analyzed with the goal of enhancing collaboration across the region.
Looking ahead, PAM is preparing to present a comprehensive report and a draft Resolution on Trafficking in Persons, to be debated during its 19th Plenary Session, in Rome next February. The Session will call on PAM Member States to adopt and implement, where needed, decisive policies and strengthen cross-border cooperation to effectively address trafficking and migrant smuggling in the region. //