On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the country’s deepening commitment to ending human trafficking, calling it not only a legal duty but a moral and humanitarian obligation. In a recorded statement released Tuesday, Madbouly described the fight against trafficking as integral to Egypt’s national values and identity, framing it as an essential defense of human dignity.
The message coincided with this year’s global commemoration under the theme “Organized Crime, End the Exploitation,” which draws attention to the growing sophistication of human trafficking networks. The occasion also marked the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons — a landmark agreement Egypt was among the first to join.
Egypt’s legislative commitment was underscored by its 2010 passage of Law No. 64, which criminalizes all forms of trafficking and aligns domestic legal frameworks with international obligations. In his address, Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to enforce this law while expanding institutional support for vulnerable communities.
He noted the growing threat that trafficking poses, describing it as one of the most urgent global challenges—one that destroys lives, destabilizes communities, and threatens national security. Over the past year, Egypt has focused on expanding services to support victims, especially among women, children, and other at-risk groups. The government has increased the number of shelters across the country in an effort to decentralize care and improve access for survivors. Staff at these shelters have received expanded training, and new regulations were enacted to structure and fund assistance through the state-run Victims of Trafficking Fund.
The fund now plays a central role in Egypt’s victim-centered approach. It provides direct financial aid, psychological and medical services, and vocational support to help survivors rebuild their lives. It also finances awareness campaigns, research, and capacity-building efforts for frontline responders. These measures align with the country’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, a comprehensive framework aimed at prevention, protection, and prosecution.
Madbouly acknowledged the work of the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons, praising its role in dismantling trafficking networks and supporting survivors. He also underscored the importance of international cooperation, stressing the need for greater coordination between law enforcement bodies, international organizations, and civil society groups.
Egypt’s approach to trafficking includes enhancing the capabilities of its security forces to investigate and disrupt organized criminal activity, revising legal frameworks to ensure consistency with human rights standards, and strengthening public education to build social awareness of trafficking risks. Efforts have also focused on expanding anonymous reporting mechanisms and improving protection for whistleblowers and victims alike.
In closing, Madbouly called for sustained international solidarity, urging governments, multilateral institutions, and communities to deepen collaboration in the global effort to eliminate human trafficking. He emphasized that Egypt’s fight is grounded not only in treaty obligations but in a national ethos that places the value of human life and dignity above all else.
