Evident need to co-ordinate efforts to maintain state border security

Over 12,000 illegal immigrants carrying fake documents were detained on the Belarusian border in 2010, noted the First Deputy Chairman of the State Border Committee of Belarus, Andrei Gorulko, speaking to a task group on illegal migration — part of the International Border Conference

By Yevgeny Novoselov

Last year, about 100 illegal immigrants were arrested for violating the law on migration, including 67 at the border; 74 criminal cases were initiated, with criminal charges brought against 17 people for organising illegal migration.
According to Mr. Gorulko, illegal migration is aiding the destabilisation of the world. “Drug and human trafficking are spreading at an alarming rate,” he added. The situation requires a more co-ordinated and efficient border service, with law enforcement bodies across Europe using a unified policy, alongside international organisations. In addition to illegal migration and human trafficking, the issue of refugees and asylum-seekers is growing. As a result, it is becoming harder to determine the status of detainees.

The Minsk forum has aided the evaluation of the role of international co-operation in countering illegal migration and identifying priorities for border and law enforcement bodies. It has also inspired the development of efficient border co-operation instruments at a multinational level.

The UNHCR Representative in Belarus, Sholeh Safavi, thanked the Belarusian authorities for their efforts in helping refugees, noting that Belarus applies a complex approach to maintaining border security and observing international standards.

The International Border Conference was set up in 1992, acting as an advisory forum for heads of the border services of over 60 states. Executive directors and representatives of organisations such as Interpol, Europol, Frontex, the IOM, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the OSCE take part. Belarus joined the forum in 1994, leading two task groups.

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