A groundbreaking agreement has been reached between the United Kingdom and Greece to combat human trafficking, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper signing the pact in Athens. This collaboration aims to disrupt smuggling operations by providing training to Greek authorities to intercept the use of small boats for perilous Channel crossings.
In addition to this partnership, the UK government is intensifying efforts in North Africa to deter risky crossings into Europe. Ms. Cooper disclosed new funding for initiatives in Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia designed to redirect potential migrants towards local job opportunities.
Highlighting the significance of addressing illegal migration, the Foreign Secretary emphasized that the illicit boat journeys pose a threat to border security in both the Channel and the Mediterranean. Cooperation between the UK and Greece is crucial in combating criminal smuggling networks, with a comprehensive approach being adopted to confront organized immigration crime globally.
Efforts to tackle this issue involve collaborative work with other nations along the smuggling routes into Europe. Recent joint operations between Greek authorities and the National Crime Agency (NCA) led to the dismantling of a significant Athens-based network engaged in migrant smuggling and document forgery. Notably, authorities made arrests, raided a travel agency linked to the network, and seized a range of counterfeit documents and forgery equipment.
Moreover, a funding allocation of £1.5 million is allocated towards development projects in North Africa under the North Africa Migration and Development (NAMAD) program. This initiative has already benefitted over 17,000 individuals through training and health and social support programs.