Kavanagh campaigns for top INTERPOL position in Namibia

  • 6 Months Ago - 2024-04-23 14:43:00
Earlier this month, Stephen Kavanagh was in Namibia as part of his campaign for the position of Secretary General of INTERPOL.
During his time here, Kavanagh emphasised the critical importance of natural resources as both cultural heritage and economic assets for nations like Namibia. He decried the ruthless exploitation of these resources by international syndicates, highlighting the detrimental impact on local communities and ecosystems across Africa.
Addressing the pressing issue of illegal fishing, Kavanagh underscored its severe consequences on maritime economies, which constitute a significant portion of global trade. He stressed the need for stronger law enforcement measures to combat not only traditional maritime crimes but also the illicit activities of unregistered vessels depleting marine resources.
Furthermore, Kavanagh expressed concern over wildlife crime, particularly the poaching of endangered species such as rhinos. He praised initiatives like Blue Rhino in Namibia and advocated for increased support to regional police forces and conservation efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
Trafficking
During his visit, Kavanagh engaged with Namibian government officials and local NGOs to explore ways in which INTERPOL could bolster anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts. He proposed the establishment of an enhanced Environmental Crime Unit within INTERPOL to provide greater assistance to countries grappling with these challenges.
Kavanagh also emphasised the importance of collaboration with port and park authorities, as well as border hubs, to effectively track and apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities. He pledged to prioritize training for border forces in utilizing international tools like INTERPOL to enhance Namibia's security measures.
Currently serving as the Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, Kavanagh oversees a wide array of global crime programs, including cybercrime, financial crime, counter-terrorism, and organized crime. With his extensive experience and commitment to combating transnational crime, he aims to elevate INTERPOL's role in addressing environmental and wildlife crime on both local and global scales.