The UK Border Force National Safeguarding and Modern Slavery (SAMS) team were on the island recently to conduct joint training with Immigration and Customs officers from the British Bases and Republic of Cyprus, marking the third such collaboration in the last five years.
According to a press statement from the Bases, modern slavery and human trafficking is a deepening issue in the region and for Cyprus, due to its boundary with the north, it is an area of concern.
The training, which included the Bases and Republic of Cyprus Police and representatives from British missions in Nicosia and Athens, is part of a wider push to protect vulnerable people.
Sessions focused on spotting the signs of trafficking, understanding the law - both UK and international - putting victims first, and working together across agencies to stop traffickers.
Safeguarding the vulnerable
Charlotte Wright, Officer in Charge of Customs and Immigration, based in Akrotiri, said the training was absolutely critical to the mission.
She explained that safeguarding the vulnerable, “both at our boundaries and within the wider community, remains a cornerstone of our mission and a shared priority for Immigration and the police.”
“Ensuring our officers are equipped to identify and support those at risk is fundamental to delivering effective safeguarding outcomes.”
Progress in tackling modern slavery and human trafficking
Joint training between Bases and Cypriot officials took place in both 2020 and 2022 and according to Amanda Read, the UK SAMS lead, it is working.
“Significant progress has been made in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking, with enhanced safeguarding measures and stronger partnerships delivering real, lasting change.
“The commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and dismantling exploitation networks is clearer than ever.”
Bases Head of Customs and Immigration, Mark Hartley, said cooperation is vital to tackling the global trafficking of vulnerable individuals and said the close working relationship with his Cypriot counterparts is vital to its success.
“Tackling people smuggling in all its forms remains a priority, and through shared expertise and intelligence, we are better equipped to address this global challenge. Together, we are building judicial and intelligence capacity, enhancing our ability to dismantle organised criminal groups and bring offenders to justice, both locally and internationally," said Hartley
Cyprus Police representative on the course, Floris Nikandrou, also referenced the importance of the working relationship, welcoming the initiative to receive training alongside Bases colleagues.
“It is important that we share a close working relationship in order for us to effectively tackle this deeply problematic issue and we look forward to continuing that in the future,” said Nikandrou.