Nicosia: The UK Border Force National Safeguarding and Modern Slavery (SAMS) team recently conducted joint training in the British Bases with Immigration and Customs officers from the Sovereign Base Areas and the Republic of Cyprus, as announced in a press release by the British Bases (SBA).
According to Cyprus News Agency, “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 included the SBA and Republic of Cyprus Police and representatives from British missions in Nicosia and Athens. This training is part of a broader effort to protect vulnerable people, focusing on recognizing the signs of trafficking, understanding relevant laws, prioritizing victims, and fostering inter-agency collaboration to combat traffickers.
Charlotte Wright, Officer in Charge of Customs and Immigration based in Akrotiri, emphasized the importance of the training. She expressed her satisfaction with the Border Force SAMS team’s involvement, noting that safeguarding vulnerable individuals at boundaries and within the community is a key mission and shared priority for Immigration and the police. Equipping officers to identify and support at-risk individuals is crucial for effective safeguarding outcomes, she noted.
Joint training between Bases and Republic of Cyprus officials previously took place in 2020 and 2022. Amanda Read, the UK SAMS lead, highlighted the training’s effectiveness. She noted significant progress in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking, with improved safeguarding measures and stronger partnerships delivering meaningful change. The commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and dismantling exploitation networks is clearer than ever, she added.
Mark Hartley, Bases Head of Customs and Immigration, underscored the necessity of cooperation in tackling global trafficking. He emphasized the importance of the close working relationship with Republic of Cyprus counterparts for success in combating Organised Immigration Crime. Joint training initiatives in modern slavery and human trafficking highlight the significance of collaboration, he noted.
Hartley further stated that addressing people smuggling remains a priority, and through shared expertise and intelligence, the ability to tackle this global challenge is enhanced. Together, they are building judicial and intelligence capacity to dismantle organized criminal groups and bring offenders to justice, both locally and internationally.
Cyprus Police representative Floris Nikandrou also stressed the importance of the collaborative relationship. He expressed gratitude for initiatives like the course organized by the Bases and appreciated the opportunity to train alongside SBA Customs and Immigration colleagues. Sharing a close working relationship is crucial for effectively tackling this challenging issue, and he looks forward to continuing this collaboration in the future.