Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Science for Women, Professor Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim , the Continuing Education Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Physics at our College, held a workshop entitled “Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking: Relationship and Challenges” on Monday, 16 February 2026, in the Abdul Hakim Hall, with the attendance of a number of faculty members, staff, and female students.
The workshop was presented by Ms. Rafal Hisham Jassim, Head of the Continuing Education Unit, and Ms. Sala Sami Hamza. It addressed important scientific and humanitarian themes, shedding light on one of the most prominent contemporary issues that threaten societies. The workshop began by defining illegal migration as the movement of individuals from one country to another through means that violate laws, often carried out via smuggling networks that exploit individuals’ need to seek better opportunities for life and employment. The concept of human trafficking was also clarified as an organized crime based on the exploitation of persons through coercion, deception, or threats for purposes such as forced labor, exploitation, begging, or organ trafficking.
The presenters further explained the close relationship between illegal migration and human trafficking, noting that irregular migration constitutes an environment exploited by organized criminal networks to entrap victims, taking advantage of limited legal awareness and difficult economic conditions. Among the main causes highlighted were unemployment, political and security instability, weak educational and development opportunities, in addition to the desire to improve living standards and achieve a better future. Regarding the consequences, the workshop emphasized the serious risks faced by migrants, including drowning, exploitation, and extortion, as well as the psychological and social impacts on individuals, their families, and society as a whole.
In terms of solutions, the workshop recommended strengthening community awareness of the dangers of illegal migration and human trafficking, providing employment opportunities for youth, supporting small-scale projects, tightening legal measures against smuggling networks, and enhancing international cooperation to combat organized crime. The workshop concluded with an open discussion session, during which participants exchanged views and raised questions, affirming the importance of continuing such awareness-raising activities that contribute to strengthening community awareness.
