Cabo Verde Takes a Stand Against Organized Crime and Human Trafficking

A Commitment to Combating Organized Crime and Human Trafficking

In a significant move, Cabo Verde has demonstrated its commitment to combating organized crime and human trafficking by joining international agreements related to these issues. The country has also extradited criminals wanted in the US despite lacking an extradition agreement.

Establishing a Legal Framework and National Strategies

The government has established a legal framework and national strategies to combat organized crime, including:

• Drug trafficking
• Financial crimes
• Human trafficking
• Illegal fishing

The Drug Control Coordination Commission is responsible for coordinating drug demand and supply interventions under the Ministry of Justice and Internal Administration.

Challenges in the Criminal Justice System

Despite these efforts, Cabo Verde still faces challenges in its criminal justice system, including:

• Lack of forensic investigation capacity
• Limited access to justice services, particularly for vulnerable populations
• Increasing violent crime leading to a rise in the prison population and high recidivism rates

Partnerships and International Cooperation

To address these issues, Cabo Verde has partnered with the US to improve its management of prisons and implement community policing strategies. The Judicial Police have also received specialized equipment and maintenance services from the EU to enhance their capacity to combat transnational organized crime.

Combating Financial Crime

Cabo Verde has taken steps to combat financial crime by:

• Establishing a Financial Intelligence Unit
• Creating a national office for asset recovery
• Joining the Egmont Group

However, the country lacks a fully functioning cross-border currency declaration system.

Human Trafficking and Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations play an important role in combating human trafficking. The Ministry of Justice and Labour has launched a national plan to target the issue, but there are no services specifically catering to trafficking victims. State-funded bodies offer emergency services, including temporary living assistance and psychological treatment to crime victims.

Strengthening Operational Resources and Prevention Measures

The government has also strengthened its operational resources, launched prevention and educational measures to reduce crime and violence, and increased urban patrolling and public lighting in high-crime areas.

International Recognition and Support

Cabo Verde’s efforts to combat organized crime and human trafficking have been recognized internationally, with the country receiving support from organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). With continued cooperation and investment, Cabo Verde is poised to make significant progress in this critical area.