Lyon, France: A new initiative called Project Turquesa has been launched in Lyon, France, by INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the Americas. Building upon successful previous operations led by INTERPOL, this joint project aims to adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing these crimes by leveraging the expertise of both organizations.
The Latin American and Caribbean regions, serving as territories of origin, transit, and destination for these criminal activities, will receive increased attention. Recognizing the gendered nature of these crimes and their diverse impact on men, women, and children, the project will incorporate gender considerations throughout its implementation. Additionally, protecting the rights of smuggled migrants and trafficking victims will be a top priority. By bridging existing gaps, such as the lack of reliable data and the need for improved collaboration among investigators and prosecutors, Project Turquesa seeks to enhance understanding of the routes, trends, and methods employed by smugglers and traffickers in the region.
The project will provide research, operational and strategic analysis, training, and operational justice plans to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officers and prosecutors in investigating these interconnected crimes. Furthermore, technical support will be extended to cross-regional networks and tools to facilitate cooperation at both national and regional levels. With previous Turquesa operations leading to numerous arrests, victim identifications, and investigations, the collaboration between INTERPOL and UNODC serves as a foundation for this joint initiative.
The Secretary General of INTERPOL, Jürgen Stock, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable communities. Ghada Waly, the Executive Director of UNODC, affirmed their commitment to the collaborative effort, highlighting the provision of technical assistance and capacity-building measures to strengthen law enforcement responses, dismantle trafficking networks, and ensure justice for victims across the region. The two-and-a-half-year Project Turquesa is funded by the Government of Canada through its Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program.
