EU, UNODC Launch PACSOM Egypt in Cairo

On Wednesday, the UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), in partnership with CIVIPOL (France) and with the generous support of the European Union (EU), officially launched the project "Partnership to Counter Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons in Egypt" (PACSOM Egypt) in Cairo.

The high-level event was attended by H.E. Ambassador Wael Badawi, Deputy Assistant Minister for Refugees, Migration and Combatting Human Trafficking from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, alongside Ms. Sophie Vanhaeverbeke, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Egypt, Ms. Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative in the Middle East and North Africa and representatives of CIVIPOL as well as from the French and Greek Ministries of Interior. 

The launch also brought together key national stakeholders, including representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Solidarity, and Ministry of Labour. Also in attendance were representatives from the Administrative Control Authority, the Office of the Public Prosecution, the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP), the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR), the National Council for Women (NCW), and National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM).

“This is a vital project for Egypt, as a country of origin, transit, and destination, and for our EU partners, particularly given its potential repercussions beyond Egypt’s borders,” said H.E. Ambassador Wael Badawi, Deputy Assistant Minister for Refugees, Migration, and Combatting Human Trafficking, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “It is grounded in a solid, multidimensional, and sustainable workplan that engages all key Egyptian stakeholders in combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking. I thank the European Union for funding this project and UNODC for its implementation. It reflects the strong strategic partnership between Egypt, the EU, and UNODC.”

Sophie Vanhaeverbeke, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Egypt, said: "The launch of PACSOM is an important milestone, fully embedded in the strategic and comprehensive partnership between the EU and Egypt. PACSOM is starting on solid ground, built on trust, cooperation, and shared commitment. PACSOM is a continuation of a previous EU-funded regional initiative that delivered strong outputs for Egypt. The EU and Egypt share a common vision: to protect and preserve the dignity, rights, and safety of all people, including victims of trafficking. The project will continue to apply and expand human rights principles, due diligence policies, and best practices."

In her opening remarks, Cristina Albertin, UNODC Regional Representative, emphasized UNODC’s longstanding partnership with Egypt and its unique role in addressing trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. Stressing the importance of a coordinated response to tackle both crimes, she reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Egypt in dismantling criminal networks and protecting vulnerable populations. “Together, with strong partnerships, a shared vision, and coordinated action,” she noted, “we can dismantle criminal networks, protect the vulnerable, and uphold justice, ensuring that no one is overlooked or left behind.”

In turn, the French Ministry of Interior Representative highlighted the shared determination of the European Union, France, and Egypt to act with responsibility, efficiency, and solidarity in responding to migrant smuggling and human trafficking. He emphasized that the project reflects this common will to strengthen legal frameworks, develop operational capacities, and promote the exchange of best practices among institutions. He also underlined the shared conviction that only a partnership-based, balanced, and sustainable approach can effectively combat these serious forms of organized crime.

Greek and French institutions presented their respective frameworks for combating the smuggling of migrants and Trafficking in Persons. The discussions highlighted the importance of a coordinated and international approach, with a strong emphasis on victim protection.

The launch also included a session on measuring impact and the role of data delivered by UNODC’s Independent Evaluation Section.

Funded by the European Union with a budget of EUR 20 million, PACSOM Egypt aims to enhance Egypt’s national response to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, focusing on four key priority areas:

The project will be implemented over a period of 48 months by UNODC ROMENA in close collaboration with CIVIPOL and Egyptian authorities.

The launch event marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Egypt, the EU, its Member States and UNODC, and reaffirms the shared commitment to countering transnational organized crimes while protecting the rights of victims of trafficking in persons and smuggled migrants.