On 22 October, under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma Bint Talal, a recognition ceremony was held for the participants of counter trafficking project in Irbid Governorate, which is funded by the Japanese Government and implemented by International Organization for Migration (IOM) Jordan and the Jordan Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU). 

The ceremony, which took place at the Jamileh Bo Azza School in Irbid, acknowledged the contribution to the project  made by schools, local officials and Jordan’s Public Security Directorate to raise awareness and to assist those most vulnerable to trafficking in the local area. The Governorate of Irbid has received one of the highest influxes of refugees from the Syria conflict anywhere in Jordan, with over 144,000 registered by UNHCR as living in the area. 

The project has sought to protect those communities that are most vulnerable to trafficking among the Syrian refugees and the Jordanian host communities. IOM Jordan has held educational and awareness-raising sessions for students in Irbid, where they have learnt about the concept of human trafficking and how to help identify and prevent potential cases. 

As well as awarding those individuals who have made a particular contribution to the project, H.R.H. the Princess also had the chance to see examples of participatory activities undertaken by the school children, including a play performed by students and graffiti art about human trafficking. 

As part of the project, IOM Jordan also works to build the capacity of competent government officials and members of the Public Security Directorate through workshops on counter trafficking and supplying new equipment. Since 28 September, Jordan’s Counter Trafficking Unit have been able to make use of newly refurbished training facilities at their headquarters in Amman, which were officially opened last month as part of the capacity building program. The facility was funded by the Japanese Government and the US Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration. 

For any queries, please contact Ben Webster, IOM Jordan Reporting Officer (+962 79132 8603 / bwebster@iom.int)