About the course
Maritime people smuggling in the Andaman Sea is a complex, long-standing issue driven by organized criminal groups. These groups exploit sea routes through Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, endangering vulnerable individuals, including asylum seekers and refugees, seeking safety or opportunities. Perilous journeys expose them to hazardous conditions and exploitation, creating significant socio-political and economic challenges for affected countries, straining immigration systems, legal frameworks, and resources.
Evolving irregular migration patterns necessitate urgent, effective enforcement and regional cooperation. The Introduction to Countering People Smuggling Course is a 3-day programme which will equip law enforcement, border, and immigration officials from key Andaman Sea countries with the tools to counter people smuggling. Focusing on regional dynamics and best practices for interception, investigation, and cooperation, the training aims to bolster collective capacity against transnational crime. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will gain hands-on experience in applying legal frameworks, investigating smuggling groups, and addressing vulnerabilities of displaced individuals.
Participants from various Bali Process Member States joined forces to work together on thematic activities, sharing challenges and best practices.
Learning objectives
- To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of people smuggling dynamics, legal frameworks, investigative techniques, and protection measures through interactive learning modules, practical exercises, and group discussions.
- To equip participants with actionable skills by integrating hands-on simulations of real-world scenarios. The training will focus on the practical application of theoretical knowledge to strengthen operational responses.
- To foster meaningful cross-border collaboration by creating a platform for networking and dialogue. The program will encourage participants to break down barriers and share best practices, thereby enhancing collective efforts to counter people smuggling.
- To build professional networks among officials from diverse roles within the participating countries. These networks will facilitate lawful information sharing and operational coordination in future cases.
Audiences
Law enforcement, border and immigration, and maritime officials from Bali Process Member and Observer States.
Timeline
The Introduction to Countering People Smuggling course takes place over three days.
“Effectively combating human smuggling and trafficking requires law enforcement to gain a clear understanding of the issues, alongside inter-agency capabilities and challenges. This insight allows us to develop implementable strategies that are effective across various countries and departments. Learning to share our diverse experiences is key and by understanding each other, we can collaboratively develop successful approaches.”