Regional seminars

Trafficking and market problems have a regional dimension: transit routes, shared languages, similar legal traditions. Meeting by region facilitates dialogue and concrete solutions.

Seminars also make it possible to gather States' expectations before major decisions, and to prepare common positions.

The Africa seminar is held in Nairobi, the Asia-Pacific seminar in Singapore and the Americas seminar in New York. Each city hosts the event twice a year, creating a regular rhythm and a network of loyal participants.

The choice of venues relies on local offices or partners of the Organization and on the quality of air connections.

Participants are national focal points, customs, police and culture officials, and invited experts. Sessions alternate presentations, workshops on practical cases and field visits, for example to a free port or a museum.

The programme is prepared by the regional office and the Protection Directorate. It is circulated forty days before opening.

The invitation is addressed to the Member States of the region. Public officials participate free of charge. For developing States, the Organization may cover part of the travel costs within an annual budget.

Other participants register through the online form, at the rates shown on the event page.

Each seminar results in a report and a list of actions: training to organize, tools to share, contacts to maintain. Follow-up is ensured by the regional office.

The conclusions are presented to the standing committees and then to the General Assembly, linking fieldwork to the decisions of States.