Funding to combat human trafficking

The government has announced funding for international programmes to address irregular migration at the source, including by tackling people smuggling and human trafficking.

£4 million from the existing aid budget will be allocated to the UN’s Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF). The fund was launched in 2019 to help implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

So far 24 programmes have been funded by the MMPTF in collaboration with 16 UN organisations, including programmes which tackle organised immigration crime, such as by training border authorities and security officials in efforts in Guinea and Liberia.

Other initiatives include providing health and housing support to migrant street children in Ethiopia and supporting migrants in Ecuador to build skills and find employment opportunities.

Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds, said: "Earlier this year, the new UK government made a commitment to tackle irregular migration at source. In our largest contribution to the UN’s Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund to date, today’s announcement will do just that.   

"Working with our international partners, including the UN and those in the Global South, we will grip the migration crisis that is putting millions of lives at risk. It will complement work already underway to secure the UK border against criminal smuggling gangs."