The countries of the Horn of Africa region are countries of origin, transit and destination for people who have left their homes. The ongoing war in Sudan alone has so far led to the forced displacement of around 11.3 million people, of whom 8.1 million have become internally displaced. Around 2.9 million people (refugees, asylum seekers and returnees) have sought protection in the immediate neighbouring countries. A large proportion of displaced people remain in the region. Many travel without visas and valid papers and accept offers from smugglers or risk becoming victims of human trafficking – often out of necessity.
Migration in the Horn of Africa is safer and more orderly, relevant actors are better able to take action against human trafficking, and migrants and victims of human trafficking benefit from improved protection services and economic prospects.
The project works in two components:
1) Promote institutions: Training for state and civil actors, such as police and human rights officers, helps identify and prosecute cases of human trafficking and smuggling and refer victims to social services.
2) Protect migrants and victims of human trafficking: Civil society organisations that provide protection and support services such as shelter, health care and legal advice are strengthened, thus improving future opportunities for victims of human trafficking and migrants. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH coordinates the implementation of the programme, which is carried out jointly with CIVIPOL, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).