On 4th July 2022, the ‘Safeguarding & Modern Slavery’ multiagency training was held at the University of Central Lancashire, Cyprus campus (UCLan Cyprus) in collaboration with the SBA Customs and Immigration, supported by the British High Commission Nicosia and the Research Centre for Migration and Diaspora and Exile (MIDEX) of the University of Central Lancashire. Two trainings were held in total, one targeted relevant public officials and the other targeted CSOs and other stakeholders working on anti-trafficking across the divide.

The trainings were delivered by three experts from the UK; Amanda Read (National Safeguarding and Modern Slavery Lead, Border Force), Kate Goldstone (National Safeguarding and Modern Slavery Higher Officer, Border Force) and Helen Gordos (National Tactical Advisor, National Crime Agency). They were followed by a session presented by Dr. Nasia Hadjigeorgiou (Assistant Professor in Transitional Justice and Human Rights and Deputy Head, School of Law, UCLan Cyprus) and contributed to by Fezile Osum (Research Scholar, School of Law, UCLan Cyprus).

This session mainly covered the research findings from the School of Law’s recent “Smuggling and Trafficking Across the Green Line” and “Profiling of Human Trafficking Victims in Cyprus” projects (visit the projects’ website: https://htsproject.uclancyprus.ac.cy/). Both trainings ended with a Q&A session in the form of a roundtable chaired by Professor Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou, Professor of European Law and Reform and Head of the School of Law, UCLan Cyprus, and Lead of the “Smuggling and Trafficking Across the Green Line” project, where the participants could discuss the challenges faced and possible steps forward for combating human trafficking in Cyprus.

Mark Hartley, ESBA OIC Customs and Immigration, Sovereign Base Areas Administration, stated:
“Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking is a global issue with Cyprus being like many other countries, a destination for sexual and labour exploitation.  Being able to bring together Government Agencies, subject experts and Academics amongst others, in one event provided a unique opportunity.  This would not have been possible without the support and hosting of the event by the University of Central Lancashire in Cyprus.

The event symbolised a unified approach in tackling these complex issues and demonstrated positive steps improving awareness across the Green Line.”

Amanda Read, National Safeguarding and Modern Slavery Lead at Border Force UK stated:

“The UCLan Cyprus event provided an invaluable platform to discuss the problems of Modern Slavery and Human trafficking, share best practice and reinforce the worldwide collaboration needed to prevent this abhorrent crime and protect victims. Thank you to all the organisers with whom we look forward to working in the future.”

Helen Gordos, National Tactical Advisor, National Crime Agency stated:

“Eradicating Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking is one of the NCAs highest priorities. No one agency can tackle this global threat alone. We work with partners in the UK and around the world and we are extremely grateful to UCLAN for delivering this excellent event which allowed collaboration and learning between a number of key partners. We look forward to future partnership working”