CEPOL, in collaboration with various institutions, has launched an educational program in Cyprus to combat human trafficking and labor exploitation. The initiative includes a five-day training for police, prosecutors, labor inspectors, and border guards from Cyprus and other participating countries, aiming to foster knowledge-sharing and operational cooperation to effectively tackle labor law violations.
What is CEPOL’s initiative against human trafficking in Cyprus?
CEPOL launched an educational program in Larnaca, Cyprus, to combat human trafficking and labor exploitation. The initiative includes a five-day training involving police, prosecutors, labor inspectors, and border guards, aiming to foster knowledge-sharing and operational cooperation across Europe to tackle labor law violations effectively.
Introduction to CEPOL’s Educational Activities
The European Police Academy (CEPOL) has commenced its vital educational program centered on addressing the critical issues of human trafficking and labor exploitation. This initiative was launched yesterday in the coastal city of Larnaca, Cyprus, marking a significant step towards law enforcement education and collaboration in the region.
Collaborative Training for a United Front
A Five-Day Comprehensive Training Program
A five-day intensive training schedule has been meticulously organized by the Cyprus Police, in collaboration with prominent institutions such as CEPOL, the European Labour Authority (ELA), Europol, and the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) of the European Union. The goal is to foster knowledge-sharing and operational cooperation amongst thirty officials. This diverse group consists of prosecutors, labor inspectors, police officers, and border guards from both Cyprus and other participating countries.
A Multinational Effort
Throughout the training week, participants will have the privilege to engage with presentations from various authoritative figures. These experts hail from the Office for Combating Trafficking in Persons, the Cybercrime Subdivision, and the Department of Labor of the Ministry of Labour & Social Insurance. Additionally, contributions will come from international entities such as the French and Spanish gendarmerie, the Hellenic Police, the Dutch Prosecution Service, Europol, ELA, and FRA.
The Inauguration of the Program
A Gathering of Dignitaries
The opening ceremony was held this morning at a hotel in Larnaca, which also serves as the venue for the educational activities. The event saw the attendance of key figures including the Chief of Police and high-ranking representatives from the Ministry of Justice & Public Order, the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, and the ELA.
Addressing the Core Issues
During the ceremony, Chief of Police Stelios Papathodorou accentuated the Cyprus Police’s dedication to combating human trafficking and labor exploitation within the nation. He proudly referenced the Republic of Cyprus’s elevation to Tier 1 status by the United States for its commendable handling of such cases.
Mr. Papathodorou also shed light on the concrete actions taken by the Office for Combating Trafficking in Persons since 2020. This includes the investigation of 20 cases of labor exploitation, which have led to the prosecution and conviction of nine individuals. Furthermore, he underscored that 40 individuals have been acknowledged as victims of trafficking during the same period.
Expanding the Scope of Training
ELA’s Concurrent Training Initiative
In tandem with the ongoing educational activities, the ELA is also hosting a specialized training program for labor inspectors from various European Union nations. Titled “Training on Labour Exploitation/Labor Law Violations,” this course aims to share common thematic modules. The intent is to further enhance the synergy between law enforcement authorities and labor inspectors, ensuring a more coherent approach to tackling labor law violations and exploitation.
CEPOL, a European organization, has started a program in Cyprus to fight against human trafficking and labor exploitation. The program involves a five-day training for police, prosecutors, labor inspectors, and border guards from Cyprus and other countries. The goal is to share knowledge and work together to effectively deal with violations of labor laws. The program was inaugurated with an event attended by important officials. In addition to this program, the European Labour Authority is also hosting a specialized training for labor inspectors from different European Union countries to enhance cooperation in tackling labor law violations.
