German Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) and her British counterpart Yvette Cooper have signed a joint action plan against human trafficking in London. This plan includes measures to strengthen the fight against international human trafficking, as announced by the ministry.
These measures address the phenomenon of sea route human trafficking, which has been occurring since 2018, involving inflatable boats from France to the UK, the ministry said. Logistical preparations often take place in parts of Germany. A total of at least 72 people lost their lives in the dangerous crossings in 2024 so far.
“Germany and the UK are close partners in the protection of internal security” Faeser said. “Now, we are strengthening our joint action to combat the brutal international human trafficking. This is the core of our joint action plan, which we have now agreed upon in London.”
She expressed her gratitude to Cooper, saying, “We are very grateful to have been able to sign this significant agreement. We aim to put an end to the inhumane activities of criminal human trafficking rings. These rings, which force people onto inflatable boats and send them across the English Channel, put human lives at risk.”
Against the “business of exploiting human suffering” they will now take a stronger joint approach. “This includes a high level of investigation pressure, the best possible exchange of information between our security authorities, and consequent financial investigations to get to the behind-the-scenes figures” Faeser explained.
The action plan includes, among other things, creating a long-term framework for strengthened cooperation in combating irregular migration and human trafficking, strengthening the operational capabilities of British and German law enforcement agencies, setting a focus on cooperation with further European and regional partners, and establishing direct international connections with the new British Border Security Command.