Sunday November 24, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia officially signed the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its protocols during a Saturday ceremony in Mogadishu to tackle organized crime and enhance global security collaboration.
Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moallin, Chief Justice Baashe Yuusuf Ahmed, and government and civil society representatives attended the event.
“This milestone marks a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to align with international standards and contribute to global peace and stability,” said Foreign Minister Fiqi during the signing.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Somalia’s dedication to advancing its role in international governance and building robust global partnerships.
Adopted in 2000, UNTOC is the leading international framework for combating transnational organized crime. It is supported by three key protocols targeting specific challenges; one is the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Second, the protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air, and third, the protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components, and ammunition.
The signing underscores Somalia’s ongoing efforts to align with global anti-crime standards, reinforce legal frameworks, and strengthen cooperation with international partners to address shared security challenges.