Significant Developments in Combating Human Trafficking
Hicham Blawi, the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation and President of the Public Prosecutor's Office, participated in the Second Forum for Public Prosecutors specializing in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling, held in Marrakech on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. This significant event brought together officials, experts, and representatives from various international and regional organizations from around the globe.
In his opening remarks, the Attorney General underscored that human trafficking and migrant smuggling rank among the most severe transnational crimes, representing a grave violation of human dignity and human rights. He pointed out the increasing challenges posed by technological advancements and artificial intelligence, as well as the exploitation of digital networks by criminal organizations to lure and exploit victims.
Blawi emphasized that the Kingdom of Morocco has strategically positioned the fight against human trafficking and the protection of victims at the forefront of its human rights commitments. This commitment is reflected in the development of legal and institutional frameworks designed to enhance protection mechanisms, support, and care for victims.
Effective Legal Framework and Initiatives
The Attorney General outlined the efforts undertaken by the Public Prosecutor's Office in this domain, which include enhancing the specialization of public prosecutors, establishing a network of deputies dedicated to human trafficking cases, and issuing directives to standardize practical approaches. Furthermore, there has been a concerted effort to develop practical tools aimed at improving the handling of these cases and ensuring the rights of victims are upheld.
He noted that the adopted approach is not solely punitive; it also incorporates a humanitarian dimension that prioritizes the protection of victims and the preservation of their dignity as a core component of criminal policy. This approach extends protective measures to include indirect victims affected by the repercussions of these crimes.
In this context, he highlighted the positive outcomes recorded over recent years, showcasing a continuous increase in protective measures for victims of human trafficking. The number of protective actions rose from 55 in 2022 to an impressive 400 by 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of the protective policies in place.
Moreover, he reaffirmed the importance of fostering a culture of reporting these crimes through awareness campaigns and communication programs launched by the Public Prosecutor's Office in collaboration with various national and international stakeholders.
In conclusion, the Attorney General stressed that an effective response to human trafficking and migrant smuggling requires enhanced international judicial cooperation, the exchange of information and expertise, and coordinated efforts aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks and combating impunity. Such initiatives are essential for safeguarding human dignity and reinforcing the principles of justice, security, and stability.
As reported by anwarpress.com.
