UK and KRG Forge Historic Security Agreement to Combat Smuggling and Strengthen Border Security

28-11-2024 07:36

Peregraf

In a groundbreaking move, the United Kingdom and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), have signed a world-first security agreement to combat people smuggling gangs and bolster border security cooperation. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the fight against serious organized crime, as the UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper concluded a three-day official visit to Iraq and the KRI.

Strengthening Ties and Security
During her visit, Home Secretary Cooper became the first UK Secretary of State to visit Iraq since 2021. Accompanied by Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt, she engaged with key officials from Iraq’s Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The trip resulted in a series of high-profile agreements aimed at addressing shared security threats and enhancing regional stability.

Key Agreements Signed
Among the notable developments are:

  • Joint Statement on Border Security: A pioneering agreement to tackle people smuggling and improve border management, marking the first of its kind between the two nations.
  • Capacity Building for Law Enforcement: The UK pledged £300,000 to train Iraqi law enforcement officers, focusing on combating organized immigration crime and narcotics.
  • Support for the Kurdistan Region: The UK allocated £200,000 to support border security projects in the KRI, including the establishment of a new task force.
  • Commitment to Human Rights: Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to international human rights standards and humanitarian law.

Tackling Organized Crime
A declaration of intent was also signed to address serious organized crimes such as drug trafficking, modern slavery, and illicit finance. Additionally, £300,000 will be allocated to disrupt criminal networks operating in Iraq and the KRI.

Efforts will extend to combating misinformation spread by smuggling gangs, with a joint communications campaign planned to deter illegal migration and expose the dangers of people smuggling.

Collaborating to Save Lives
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the importance of the agreements, stating, "These landmark commitments send a clear signal to smuggling gangs that we will work globally to stop their dangerous operations. Organized criminals operate across borders, so our response must do the same."

Martin Hewitt echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in disrupting smuggling networks and saving lives.

Diplomatic Engagements in KRI
In the Kurdistan Region, the Home Secretary held discussions with President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed. Meanwhile, Martin Hewitt met with KRG officials to enhance operational cooperation.
The visit underscores the UK’s renewed commitment to addressing irregular migration and transnational crime. It also builds on a suite of measures, including agreements with Balkan states and collaborations with European allies.

The UK will further host the Calais Group next month, strengthening ties with European partners to combat smuggling networks across the continent.

This agreement represents a significant step forward in the UK and Iraq’s shared mission to protect lives, enhance security, and dismantle the operations of criminal smuggling gangs.

Migration from the Kurdistan Region

Informal migration from the Kurdistan Region remains a pressing issue. Many migrants travel to Turkey on tourist visas before attempting perilous sea journeys to reach Europe, often organized by smugglers. Italy is a frequent entry point, but the risks are significant.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 3,041 deaths or disappearances were recorded in the Mediterranean in 2023, marking a sharp increase from 2,048 in 2021. Migration statistics from the KRG indicate that over 5,000 individuals from the region attempted to migrate to Europe in the first seven months of 2024 alone, with 43 deaths reported during these journeys.

Since 2015, nearly 650,000 Iraqis, including many from the Kurdistan Region, have sought asylum in Europe, with hundreds dying or going missing along the way.

The UK government has signaled its intent to adopt a proactive approach, drawing inspiration from Italy’s efforts to tackle illegal migration. Cooper’s visit underscores Britain’s commitment to forging international partnerships to address migration at its source and combat the criminal networks facilitating smuggling operations.