Counter Trafficking

Since 2008 IOM has been working with the Jordanian authorities to combat human trafficking in Jordan. By supporting the Ministries of Justice, Social Development and Labor, and the Public Security Directorate within the Ministry of Interior, IOM has contributed to improving the legal framework and the implementation of the existing anti-trafficking law in Jordan. In close collaboration with local associations and governmental institutions, IOM has implemented activities aimed at strengthening the mechanisms to detect and protect the victims of trafficking in Jordan.   

Building the capacity of public officials and civil society actors 

As a result of this cooperation, in 2013 a Counter-Trafficking Unit was created within the Public Security Directorate to combat human trafficking crimes. IOM has supported the CTU in consolidating a pool of trainers to reinforce the skills of public employees in detecting and referring trafficking cases. Front line officers such as labor inspectors, policemen, social and labor workers will be the main beneficiaries of this initiative. The establishment of a pool of national trainers through Training of Trainers activities will ensure the long term sustainability of this project. 

IOM has also supported the relevant Jordanian authorities in developing a national referral mechanism (NRM) in order to better identify and protect victims of trafficking and exploitation. The NRM has been approved by the government and will be released in the following months. During 2016, IOM organized workshops and study visits for relevant actors to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Social Development and local associations to ensure the protection of victims in the shelter for victims of trafficking. 

Refugees and populations on the move are especially vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation and smuggling. For this reason, IOM provides capacity building sessions to our operational partners inside the refugee camps to improve their skills in detecting and referring potential victims of human trafficking. 

Watch our videos to learn more: 

• You are not alone against exploitation 
• Za'al wa Khadra - Migrant workers have rights! 

Awareness raising on counter-trafficking  

Human trafficking can be addressed by educating potential victims and perpetrators on early signs and negative practices that can lead to the crime. Cultural practices exacerbated in times of crisis and negative copying mechanisms such as forced marriage and child labor put vulnerable individuals at risk. 

Potential victims should be able to identify early signs of dangerous practices that put them at risk, and should be aware of the different mechanisms available to seek help. At the same time, IOM’s activities contribute to detecting, denouncing and preventing human trafficking by reaching key groups in the society and changing their perceptions of human trafficking. These groups include students, teachers, employers and refugees volunteering in NGOs. IOM and the CTU have delivered awareness sessions to high school and university students as well as to migrants and refugees. 

Providing direct assistance to victims of trafficking and stranded migrants  

The beneficiaries of the Assistance to Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program are stranded migrants or victims of trafficking who do not have the means to come back to their countries of origin. IOM Jordan, in collaboration with IOM offices in countries of origin, provides pre-departure assistance, covers the expenses for return travel and supports the reintegration of the migrant in the country of origin with counseling and assistance.