The European Union (EU), together with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), launched a project to support the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in its efforts to help prevent, protect, prosecute and care for victims of human trafficking.
The project is implemented within the framework of the Migration EU expertise (MIEUX) initiative at the request of the Social Development Ministry of Jordan (‘MOSD’).
The main purpose behind this project is the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in order to enhance staff operations and services of two Jordanian shelters for victims of human trafficking: Dar Karamah and Jordanian Women’s Union (JWU). These procedures will be based upon existing practices as well as EU standards and techniques in order to provide the suffering victims with much needed services and enable them reintegrate into society.
During the first activity, which took place from the 6th to 10th of August, the MIEUX team held a series of consultative meetings as well as a two-day info-exchange session with key stakeholders engaged in victim identification, referral and assistance.
During the press conference, Minister of Social Development Ms. Hala Bseiso Lattouf was Interviewed by the Jordanian channel ‘Jordan Today’ and stated that “the Ministry is working on the second phase of the national strategic project to eliminate human trafficking crimes”. In addition to the SOPs under-development with MIEUX, Minister Lattouf reminded the audience of the ongoing efforts to revise the 2009 Anti-Trafficking Act. During the session, Ms. Suzan Khosabe, Head of Anti-Trafficking department within the MoSD, highlighted the need for “cooperation with ICMPD and MIEUX in order to develop policies that are based upon international norms and standards”. Participants – through the presentations of Ms. Heidi de Pauw and Ms. Dobryana Petkova, learnt about Belgian and Bulgarian shelter management techniques and delivering services through a victim-centered approach.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Naozad Hodiwala - Project Officer, highlighted that although this activity is the start of the latest MIEUX collaboration with Jordanian authorities, the MIEUX program nor - ICMPD - is new to Amman. ICMPD is also supporting the implementation of the mobility partnership between EU and Jordan with a specific focus on supporting the implementation of the National Referral Mechanism and updating the Anti-Trafficking Strategy and Action Plan.
Going forward, EU experts will work on ensuring the sustainability of the action in guiding the drafting process. Moreover, they will offer the working group members the opportunity to visit an EU MS to witness a first- hand victim center and how these services are being carried out.
