ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) on Tuesday organised a regional conference on smuggling of migrants (SOM) According to the official statement issued by UNODC, the objectives of the conference were to further strengthen law enforcement cooperation in the region by bringing together officials to discuss emerging trends and patterns of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, to share and exchange information concerning best practices and emerging national trends, to present best practices for improving border security and building cooperative relationships with respect to investigations, prosecutions and protection of victims and to enable participants to network with the relevant international experts. During the opening session of the conference, Cesar Guedes, the UNODC Pakistan country representative said: “Human trafficking and migrants smuggling are a stain on our collective conscience and a terrible tragedy that is proliferating under our very eyes. UNODC will take every possible step towards assisting member states towards eliminating this modern day evil.” Federal Minister of Interior Ahsan Iqbal said that human trafficking and migrant smuggling could be identified by overcoming the push and pull factors. “Under the present government, the economy has seriously improved and the environment has been ideal for every citizen to lead a free and peaceful life,” he said. A message was delivered on behalf of ambassador of the United States by Leon Waskin, Coordinator for Economic and Development Assistance. In his message, he said: “Success will require partnerships among governments, judiciaries, civil societies, business communities, and publics. These partnerships aim to strengthen our collective abilities. The goal is not only to identify and investigate trafficking crimes, but to protect and assist victims and to increase awareness of the risks, consequences, and horrors of human trafficking.” A message was also delivered on behalf of High Commissioner of Australia. “The scourges of human trafficking, people smuggling and modern slavery must be addressed through international cooperation coupled with effective domestic policies and, where possible, the involvement of the private sector.” Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said that human trafficking and migrant smuggling could only be tackled in a holistic manner by underpinning our efforts with effective legislation. Published in Daily Times, October 25th 2017.