Transaction Search Form: please type in any of the fields below.
Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 3:57 am
Time: 3:57 am
Results for migrant smuggling
15 results foundAuthor: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Title: Migrant Smuggling by Air Summary: This report presents the findings from an UNODC Expert Group Meeting in Vienna on 7 to 9 December 2009 aimed at increasing understanding of migrant smuggling by air, with the objective of better preventing and combating the phenomena. The Expert Group Meeting specifically aimed to gain a better understanding of: 1) the modus operandi of migrant smugglers who use air routes to commit their crimes; 2) good practice of law enforcement and other actors involved in responding to this problem; 3) what the gaps in knowledge of and response to this particular method of migrant smuggling are; and 4) how UNODC and other international actors can better assist states in strengthening capacities to prevent and combat the smuggling of migrants by air. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2010. 21p. Source: Internet Resource; Issue Paper Year: 2010 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 119248 Keywords: Human SmugglingHuman TraffickingJuvenile DelinquencyJuvenile OffendersMentoringMentorsMigrant SmugglingMigrantsPrevention, Juvenile Delinquency |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Title: The Globalization of Crime: A Transnational Organized Crime Threat Assessment Summary: "In The Globalization of Crime: A Transnational Organized Crime Threat Assessment, UNODC analyses a range of key transnational crime threats, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, the illicit heroin and cocaine trades, cybercrime, maritime piracy and trafficking in environmental resources, firearms and counterfeit goods. The report also examines a number of cases where transnational organized crime and instability amplify each other to create vicious circles in which countries or even subregions may become locked. Thus, the report offers a striking view of the global dimensions of organized crime today." Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2010. 303p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: International URL: Shelf Number: 119407 Keywords: CounterfeitingCybercrimeHuman TraffickingMaritime CrimeMigrant SmugglingOrganized CrimePiratesTransnational Crime |
Author: Roberts, Bryan Title: An Analysis of Migrant Smuggling Costs along the Southwest Border Summary: Border enforcement is intended to prevent and deter the illegal movement of goods and people across a country’s border. The intensification of border enforcement activities creates impediments to illegal entry that increase the costs incurred by migrants when crossing the border. Increased costs may include additional time investment, physical hardship, and higher fees charged by smugglers who assist migrants across the border. The impact of enforcement on illegal immigration depends on how enforcement affects migration costs and how migration costs affect the decision to migrate. Our goal in this paper is to estimate the impact that enforcement has on the price smugglers charge to bring illegal immigrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Immigration Statistics, Policy Directorate, 2010. 22p. Source: Internet Resource: Working Paper: Accessed November 1, 2011 at: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/ois-smuggling-wp.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/ois-smuggling-wp.pdf Shelf Number: 123203 Keywords: Alien SmugglingBorder PatrolBorder SecurityCosts of Criminal JusticeHuman SmugglingIllegal ImmigrationMigrant Smuggling |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: International Framework for Action To Implement the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol Summary: While 129 States, to date, have ratified the United Nations Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, giving effect to the Protocol remains a challenge in all regions. Most countries do not have dedicated action plans or strategies. Most commonly, migrant smuggling is partially addressed through efforts to combat irregular migration, by strengthening border controls and through efforts undertaken against transnational organized crime. Where migrants are simply detained and returned to countries of origin without the smuggling actors involved in their migration being investigated, the criminal processes at work continue unchallenged. Where border controls are strengthened without addressing the root causes of irregular migration and demand for smuggling services, the modus operandi of smugglers will simply adapt. Where opportunities to safely and regularly migrate are not offered as part of a holistic response to migrant smuggling alongside measures to address root causes of irregular migration, the demand for migrant smuggling services will only increase. These considerations highlight the need to elaborate an International Framework for Action to implement the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol (Framework for Action) to harmonize and coordinate a holistic and global response to the phenomenon in countries of origin, transit and destination. The purpose of the Framework for Action is to assist Member States and non-state actors in identifying and addressing gaps in their response to migrant smuggling in accordance with international standards. The Framework for Action unpacks provisions of the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol, drawing upon international instruments, political commitments, guidelines and best practices to enable the implementation of a comprehensive response to migrant smuggling. The Framework for Action consists of a narrative section and a set of tables. The Narrative describes the key challenges in the implementation of the Migrant Smuggling Protocol and elaborates guiding principles in responding to them. The set of tables details practical measures that can be taken in response of four key pillars: i) Prosecution of migrant smugglers; ii) Protection of smuggled migrants and their rights; iii) Prevention of migrant smuggling; iv) Cooperation to address migrant smuggling. For each of the four pillars, the Framework for Action is divided into: Protocol Objectives, which reflect the provisions of the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol; Specific Objectives, which explain the intent of the provisions; Framework Requirements, setting out minimum standards for action; Implementation Measures, which offer best practices to achieve effective implementation; and Operational Indicators, to measure implementation and help monitor change over time. Details: Vienna: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 2011. 176p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 23, 2012 at http://www.unodc.org/documents/human-trafficking/Migrant-Smuggling/Framework_for_Action_Smuggling_of_Migrants.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/human-trafficking/Migrant-Smuggling/Framework_for_Action_Smuggling_of_Migrants.pdf Shelf Number: 124722 Keywords: Crime PreventionHuman SmugglingInternational CooperationMigrant SmugglingProsecutionVictims Services |
Author: Maduro, Letizia Title: A Situational Analysis of Aruba's Response to Human Trafficking Summary: The Aruba Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling Taskforce was formed in 2007 as an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary committee to fight human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The following Aruban Government agencies are represented in the Taskforce: the Aruba Police Force (Chair), the National Security Service, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Social Affairs, the Victim Assistance Bureau, the Department of Labour and Research, the Directorate of Alien Integration, Policy and Admission, the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, Aruban Border Control and Immigration Services, and the Department of Contagious Diseases. Since the National Plan of Action against Human Trafficking 2008-2010 (hereafter the "Plan of Action") was presented in 2008, the Taskforce has completed several initiatives for the education and training of government officials, guidance and support to possible victims, the establishment of a telephone helpline and availability of emergency shelter. In addition, the Taskforce also advocated for changes to relevant laws and regulations. The awareness campaign entitled "Open Your Eyes" was announced in April 2011. Campaign posters and flyers were put up in October 2011, on the National Day against Human Trafficking. The posters and flyers are available in Dutch, English, Papiamento and Spanish. The campaign is designed to inform the general public about human trafficking, with particular focus on its "invisibility." It also shows the public how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and promotes a telephone number for help on the matter. In June 2012, Aruba's Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling National Coordinator received the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Award from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in recognition of an extraordinary commitment to uncovering human trafficking cases, raising public awareness with a limited budget and finding alternative methods to provide protection services to victims of trafficking. This important recognition of the Taskforce's work during the previous five years made it clear that even small island nations like Aruba, with its limited financial and human resources, can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. While only a few cases of human trafficking are reported annually and no convictions have been made yet, the Taskforce members are committed to working together and with other agencies to raise awareness on human trafficking, prosecute traffickers and bring needed assistance to victims of trafficking. Details: Geneva, SWIT: International Organization for Migration, 2013. 136p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 23, 2014 at: http://www.ungift.org/doc/knowledgehub/resource-centre/2013/IOM_Situational_Analysis_Aruba_9Aug.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Central America URL: http://www.ungift.org/doc/knowledgehub/resource-centre/2013/IOM_Situational_Analysis_Aruba_9Aug.pdf Shelf Number: 129894 Keywords: Human SmugglingHuman Trafficking (Aruba)Media CampaignsMigrant SmugglingSexual Exploitation |
Author: European Commission Title: Study on smuggling of migrants: characteristics, responses and cooperation with third countries Summary: A consortium comprising Optimity Advisors, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) was commissioned by the European Commission's DG Migration and Home Affairs to undertake a "Study on smuggling of migrants: Characteristics, responses and cooperation with third countries." (HOME/2011/EVAL/01). This document contains the Final Report for this study. Despite it being a pressing political issue, migrant smuggling remains an rather under-reported area of research, with scattered and incomplete information available. For example, no systematic review and evaluation of existing policies against smuggling facilitation has been carried out to date, and the understanding of the role of third countries in the smuggling process remains limited. Investigation and research undertaken on the issue of migrant smuggling by European and national authorities and agencies, in particular by Frontex and Europol as well as national police research units, is often restricted; given the sensitive nature of the topic, the information is not always publicly available. Published research arises mainly from PhD studies based on individual aspects of migrant smuggling, routes, population etc. In addition, numerous case studies exist, for example, on individual geographical areas or destination countries/regions, which are relevant in time and context. There are few larger and more comprehensive studies covering these themes. For example, in 2011, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime published a review of research on migrant smuggling in order to fill this gap by surveying sources and research studies. Its review also covers concepts, methodologies, the scope of the problem, profiles of those smuggled and those who smuggle, networks and the human and social costs. Even though more empirical information has been added since then, this review remains extremely comprehensive and one of the few larger studies on the phenomenon. The research undertaken for this study is intended to contribute to the research evidence and close some of the existing gaps, particularly in relation to the business of migrant smuggling. Nevertheless, the study has identified priorities for further research; these are described in the concluding section. The Final Report consists of the following main sections: !! Chapter 2 provides the objectives and scope of this study; !! Chapter 3 presents the methodology; !! Chapter 4 presents findings on the phenomenon and dynamics of migrant smuggling; !! Chapter 5 provides the legal and policy frameworks, programmes and operational responses, including the relevant institutions addressing migrant smuggling; !! Chapter 6 discusses the main conclusions based on data collection and case study findings. Details: Luxembourg: European Commission, DG Migration and Home Affairs, 2015. 179p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 17, 2015 at: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2015/nov/eu-com-study-smuggling-of-migrants.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Europe URL: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2015/nov/eu-com-study-smuggling-of-migrants.pdf Shelf Number: 137314 Keywords: Human SmugglingIllegal ImmigrantsMigrant SmugglingMigration |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Country Office Pakistan Title: Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Air and Sea in Pakistan: A Review of National Laws and Treaty Compliance Summary: Irregular migration, especially in the form of migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons, and associated criminal activities such as money laundering, document fraud, and corruption, are of imminent concern to Pakistan. Recent reports confirm that Pakistan is simultaneously a sending, transit, and destination point for smuggled migrants. Smuggling of migrants involves the procurement for financial or other material benefit of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident. Virtually every country in the world is affected by these crimes. The challenge for all countries, rich and poor, is to target the criminals who take advantage of desperate people and to protect and assist smuggled migrants, many of whom endure unimaginable hardships in their bid for a better life. In response to the emergence of migrant smuggling, the Government of Pakistan has taken some action to develop national strategies to prevent and suppress this crime. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), as the country's chief national law enforcement agency, has the mandate to prevent and suppress migrant smuggling and is in a unique position to comprehensively combat this phenomenon, along with associated crime such as money laundering, document fraud, and corruption. UNODC, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is the guardian of the United Nations (UN) Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrant by Land, Air, and Sea (the Migrant Smuggling Protocol)1 and the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. UNODC leads international efforts to comprehensively prevent and suppress migrant smuggling and protect smuggled migrants. UNODC's Country Office in Islamabad stands ready to assist Pakistan's authorities in their efforts. To this end, in August 2010, UNODC requested the services of independent experts to assess the compliance of national laws and regulations in Pakistan against the requirements of international law and international best practice relating to the smuggling of migrants. The purpose of this report is to identify domestic laws, regulations, and policies in Pakistan relating to migrant smuggling and assess them against the requirements articulated in international law and the standards set by international best practice guidelines. Based on this assessment, recommendations for law reform, policy change, and for further analysis are made. Details: Islamabad : United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Country Office Pakistan, 2011. 78p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 25, 2015 at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/pakistan//2011.10.00_Laws_relating_to_Migrant_Smuggling_in_Pakistan_final.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Pakistan URL: https://www.unodc.org/documents/pakistan//2011.10.00_Laws_relating_to_Migrant_Smuggling_in_Pakistan_final.pdf Shelf Number: 137339 Keywords: Human SmugglingIllegal ImmigrationImmigrationMigrant SmugglingMigrantsOrganized Crime |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Country Office Pakistan Title: Pakistan's law enforcement response to the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons. Summary: This report assesses the legal frameworks, law enforcement strategies, capacities, and methodologies pertaining to migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons in Pakistan, focusing specifically on the mandate, organisation, and operations of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency. The report identifies, maps, outlines, and explores existing law enforcement responses and assess these against international law requirements and against the standards set by international best practice guidelines. This report reveals strengths of existing arrangements and identifies areas where further development or reform may be needed. This report shows that Pakistan has solid policy, legislative, and organisational frameworks to combat trafficking in persons and, to a lesser degree, the smuggling of migrants. The Government of Pakistan has to be commended for setting up a National Action Plan for Combating Human Trafficking in 2004 and enacting the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance two years earlier. This report shows enforcement mandates pertaining to trafficking in persons, especially those of the FIA, are sufficiently clear and are supported by relevant enforcement powers. Legislative and law enforcement frameworks for migrant smuggling are not well developed or, as confirmed by other reports, non-existent and concerns remain over ongoing confusion between migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons in Pakistani law and by Pakistani authorities. Pakistan is also not a Signatory to the United Nations Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Air, and Sea and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. Pakistan has, however, signed the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. Pakistan's relatively sound policy, legal, and organisational frameworks are, however, not matched by consistent implementation and execution; words are often not followed by actions. This assessment has found major deficiencies in the training of FIA personnel and in the facilities and equipment used by and available to FIA investigators and front-line officers. Most FIA officers working in units charged with investigating migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons obtain no training at all and frequently lack the most basic equipment to carry out their duties. FIA facilities in local areas are often in poor condition and lack reliable electricity supplies. Practical mechanisms for the protection of smuggled and migrants and, in particular, victims of trafficking in persons are, for the most part, non-existent, under-developed, or are only addressed in very rudimentary and ad-hoc ways. Also of concern are deficiencies in inter-departmental cooperation, national coordination, human resources, case management and data storage, information and evidence gathering. Details: Islamabad : United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Country Office Pakistan, 2011. 147p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 25, 2015 at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/pakistan//2011.10.00_Pakistans_Law_Enforcement_Response_final.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Pakistan URL: https://www.unodc.org/documents/pakistan//2011.10.00_Pakistans_Law_Enforcement_Response_final.pdf Shelf Number: 137340 Keywords: Human SmugglingHuman TraffickingIllegal ImmigrantsIllegal ImmigrationImmigration EnforcementMigrant SmugglingMigrantsOrganized Crime |
Author: Financial Action Task Force Title: Money Laundering Risks Arising from Trafficking in Human beings and Smuggling of Migrants Summary: Criminals are increasingly turning to the trafficking of human beings and the smuggling of migrants given the high profitability of these illegal activities. The money generated by such activities finds its way into the financial system. The FATF has carried out a study which describes the money flows related to these two distinct problems and attempts to assess their scale. The key objectives of the report are the following: - To assess the scale of the problem; - To identify different trends in trafficking in human beings/ migrant smuggling; - To identify from case studies where money laundering is occurring and what form it is taking; - To inform law enforcement agencies on the laundering of funds coming from human trafficking/ migrant smuggling; - To identify red flag indicators to assist financial institutions in their identification of money laundering from human trafficking/ migrant smuggling, and in the reporting of suspicious transaction reports; - To increase the possibility of the proceeds of human trafficking/migrant smuggling being identified and confiscated, and thereby discouraging the activity of human trafficking or migrant smuggling. Details: Paris: FATF, 2011. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 15, 2016 at: http://www.fatf-gafi.org/media/fatf/documents/reports/Trafficking%20in%20Human%20Beings%20and%20Smuggling%20of%20Migrants.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.fatf-gafi.org/media/fatf/documents/reports/Trafficking%20in%20Human%20Beings%20and%20Smuggling%20of%20Migrants.pdf Shelf Number: 138243 Keywords: Financial CrimesHuman SmugglingHuman TraffickingMigrant SmugglingMigrantsMoney Laundering |
Author: Olson, Eric L. Title: Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking at the Rio Grande Valley: Ten Observations and Questions Summary: In the scorching heat of a late summer day on the U.S. - Mexico border along the lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) I had a revelation. Migrant smuggling and trafficking along this difficult part of the border lands is a constantly changing business. Despite involving human lives, smuggling and trafficking are fundamentally a business, albeit a deplorable one, that responds to a complex series of factors - some legitimate, others less so. As a result, the dynamics around these factors are constantly in flux and what we think we know today, maybe different a month, or a year from now. Details: Washington, DC: Latin American Program, The Wilson Center, 2016. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 12, 2017 at: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/olson_border_2016_0.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 140861 Keywords: Human SmugglingHuman TraffickingMigrant Smuggling |
Author: McAuliffe, M.L., ed. Title: Migrant Smuggling Data and Research: A Global Review of the Emerging Evidence Base Summary: Migrant Smuggling Data and Research: A global review of the emerging evidence base presents a unique review of what is being collected and what can be done to further build the evidence base on migrant smuggling globally. The report is the result of a collaboration between the International Organization for Migration and researchers from a range of backgrounds and academic disciplines, and supported by the Government of Turkey. The report shows that important research has been undertaken on the transnational crime aspects of migrant smuggling, including on routes, smuggling organization (such as criminal networking and facilitation), smuggler profiles and fees/payment. Likewise, there is an emerging academic literature on migrant smuggling, particularly the economic and social processes involved in smuggling, which has largely been based on small-scale qualitative research, mostly undertaken by early career researchers. Contributions from private research companies, as well as investigative journalists, have provided useful insights in some regions, helping to shed light on smuggling practices. There remains, however, sizeable gaps in migration policy research and data, particularly in relation to migration patterns and processes linked to migrant smuggling, including its impact on migrants (particularly vulnerability, abuse and exploitation), as well as its impact on irregular migration flows (such as increasing scale, diversity and changes in geography). Addressing these systemic and regional gaps in data and research would help deepen understanding of the smuggling phenomenon, and provide further insights into how responses can be formulated that better protect migrants while enhancing States’ abilities to manage orderly migration. Details: Geneva, SWIT: International Organization for Migration, 2016. 340p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 3, 2016 at: https://publications.iom.int/books/migrant-smuggling-data-and-research-global-review-emerging-evidence-base Year: 2016 Country: International URL: https://publications.iom.int/books/migrant-smuggling-data-and-research-global-review-emerging-evidence-base Shelf Number: 145000 Keywords: Human SmugglingIllegal ImmigrantsImmigrantsMigrant SmugglingMigrants |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Title: Smuggling of Migrants: A risk assessment of border communities: Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand Summary: Southeast Asia continues to experience rapid economic and social development. In the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS), economic development in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand is progressing at different paces. The resulting economic disparity between these countries is a driving force for both regular and irregular labor migration to Thailand. Since regular labor migration channels and opportunities are not sufficient to match the demand for unskilled or low-skilled migrant workers in Thailand, irregular migration continues to flourish. In this context, migrant smuggling - the procurement of illegal entry of a person into a State of which the person is not a national for a financial or other material benefit - accounts for much of the irregular migration in the GMS. Driven by supply and demand, illegal flows of goods and people tend to be more prevalent in specific border areas, which become core hubs for organizing illegal border transportation and crossing. This makes the underdeveloped border communities of these GMS countries susceptible targets for organized criminal groups that seek to generate profits from transporting and facilitating illegal entry for migrants. The objectives of this study are to determine key motivators and facilitators of irregular migration, explore the concept of Border Community Committees and their potential effectiveness in reducing the smuggling of migrants, evaluate existing mechanisms for combating irregular migration, and assess the role of law enforcement officials in preventing and prosecuting migrant smuggling and irregular migration practices. Details: Bangkok: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, 2014. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 12, 2016 at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/southeastasiaandpacific/2014/08/patrol/Final_Report_SOM_in_Border_Communities_11_25_Aug_2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Asia URL: https://www.unodc.org/documents/southeastasiaandpacific/2014/08/patrol/Final_Report_SOM_in_Border_Communities_11_25_Aug_2014.pdf Shelf Number: 146667 Keywords: Border SecurityHuman SmugglingIllegal ImmigrantsMigrant SmugglingMigrantsOrganized Crime |
Author: European Commission Title: Report on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings (2016) as required under Article 20 of Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims Summary: This paper complements the first European Commission Report on the progress made in the fight against trafficking in human beings as required under article 20 of Directive 2011/36/EU (hereafter "the Report"). It aims to provide a factual overview of the main current trends, actions, and statistical data on trafficking in human beings in the EU, as reported by Member States, civil society and international organisations. The paper elaborates in detail on the measures reported by the Member States to address trafficking in human beings, and additionally takes into consideration actions implemented by the European Commission and other relevant stakeholders in the context of the EU Strategy towards the eradication of trafficking in human beings 2012-2016 (hereafter "the EU Strategy"). A key focus of the EU Strategy has, in fact, been on developing concrete actions to support the implementation of the Anti-trafficking Directive by complementing the work done by the Member States. The EU Strategy actions are based on five priorities: identifying, protecting and assisting victims of trafficking; stepping up the prevention of trafficking in human beings; increased prosecutions of traffickers; enhanced coordination and cooperation among key actors and policy coherence; and increased knowledge of - and effective response to - emerging concerns related to all forms of trafficking in human beings. The paper elaborates on the topics presented in the Report in selected areas of the 'three Ps', prosecution (with focus on financial investigations), protection (with focus on the setting up of national referral mechanisms) and prevention (with focus on actions taken by Member States to prevent the crime as provided by Article 18 of the Anti-trafficking Directive). Furthermore, the paper takes into account the key EU policy framework in addressing trafficking in human beings, including: the European Agenda on Migration ; the European Agenda on Security ; the EU Action Plan against migrant smuggling 2015-2020 ; the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019 ; the new framework for the EU's activities on gender equality and women's empowerment in EU's external relations for 2016-2020 and the Strategic engagement of the EU for gender equality 2016-2019. The first section of this Staff Working Document describes the methodology and information sources used for drafting both the Report and this document. The following sections mirror the structure of the Report by providing detailed and factual elements on: trends in trafficking in human beings; results of specific anti-trafficking actions; and statistical data provided by the Member States. Details: Brussels: European Commission, 2017. 97p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 20, 2018 at: http://humantraffickingsearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/commission_report_on_the_progress_made_in_the_fight_against_trafficking_in_human_beings_2016_swd_en.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Europe URL: http://humantraffickingsearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/commission_report_on_the_progress_made_in_the_fight_against_trafficking_in_human_beings_2016_swd_en.pdf Shelf Number: 149867 Keywords: Human Rights AbusesHuman SmugglingHuman TraffickingIllegal MigrationMigrant Smuggling |
Author: Davey, Deanna Title: Unpacking the Myths: Human smuggling from and within the Horn of Africa Summary: This RMMS briefing paper provides an update on the volume, trends, and modus operandi of migrant smuggling within and from the Horn of Africa. It offers new estimates of the volume of smuggling, the value of the illicit migrant smuggling economy, and the conditions and risks faced by smuggled migrants. This paper finds that migrant smuggling within and from the Horn of Africa continues to occur, with new smuggling routes opening in response to irregular migration related risks and law enforcement responses to migrant smuggling on traditionally popular routes. Smuggling as part of the mixed migration flows are more and more common, particularly as travel across borders becomes more dangerous. The paper also provides information on the operations of migrant smuggling - including smuggling routes, activities, and profiles. Summary of Key Findings The research draws on various primary and secondary sources, and relies heavily on data from the RMMS Mixed Migration Monitoring Mechanism Initiative (4Mi), a unique longitudinal monitoring approach using informal migrant monitors and remote mobile survey technology. During this research period, September 2014 to March 2017, monitors conducted 3,522 interviews with migrants from the Horn of Africa and 153 structured interviews with smugglers in various countries in Africa and the Middle East. 4Mi data shows that at least 73% of migrants are using smugglers for at least part of their journey. This paper finds that the following trends and characteristics define the migrant smuggling dynamic: - Migrant smuggling within and from the Horn of Africa remains a vibrant business, and new smuggling routes continue to open - largely in response to political and economic factors, migration risks, and law enforcement efforts to curtail certain routes. - Many smugglers are young men who enter the smuggling trade because they have limited employment opportunities in their home countries, and smuggling activities are more lucrative than other job opportunities in their home countries. - Smuggling networks across all three major routes leading out of the region are organized. Some networks resembling loose, horizontal networks in which smugglers work collaboratively across national borders. In these networks, smugglers tend to hand over the migrants at borders to new smugglers operating the subsequent leg/s of the journey. Other networks, particularly Libya-based smuggling networks along the North-western route to Europe are increasingly hierarchical, with smuggling kingpins dominating the smuggling business from Libya, and Horn of Africa smugglers playing important, but usually subordinate, positions to the Libyan kingpins. - For most smugglers operating in the region, migrant smuggling is the primary criminal enterprise. Predominantly on the Eastern, and North-western routes, smugglers may also be involved in other criminal activities, such as trafficking in persons, kidnapping, and extortion. - Government officials are reported to be involved, directly and indirectly, in migrant smuggling operations. Without this collaboration smugglers would likely encounter significant obstacles to conducting successful migrant smuggling ventures. - With a reported pre-departure average expenditure for smuggling services of USD 1,036 per migrant, the smuggling business remains lucrative for those involved. With a reported average expenditure of USD 2,3714 per migrant on bribes and extortion, it is clear that many other individuals, including border guards, militia, kidnappers, and traffickers, are also profiting from the flows of smuggled migrants within and from the Horn of Africa. - The migration flows within and from the Horn of Africa are mixed, with asylum seekers and refugees being smuggled alongside economic migrants. - Various political and socio-economic factors motivate irregular migration from the Horn of Africa region. The level of migration is highly reactive to political and other pressures, as well as national migration policy. Movement from the region is both in response to short-term crises, as well as rooted in long-term factors. - Most smuggled migrants from the Horn of Africa are young, single men; however, the number of female migrants is reportedly increasing. Also reportedly increasing is the number of unaccompanied Horn of Africa minors travelling irregularly to Europe, the Gulf States and Middle East, and Southern Africa. - Some migrants initiate the first leg of travel, and navigate one or more subsequent segments of travel without the aid of smugglers. These migrants tend to pay smugglers, where they are used, for each individual part of the journey, using cash or informal money transfer systems, such as hawala systems (informal financial transfers outside of the traditional banking system). Other migrants use the services of smugglers to take them from their home country all the way to the destination country - some of these migrants pay for the entire journey in advance. - Paying for the entire smuggling journey in advance does not reduce the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation and abuse during the journey. - In terms of volume, the most popular smuggling route is the Eastern route to the Gulf States and the Middle East. Horn of Africa migrants are also still being smuggled in large numbers to Europe, and to Southern Africa, particularly South Africa. This paper provides an up to date analysis, informed by qualitative and quantitative data, of migrant smuggling within and from the Horn of Africa including unique interviews with smugglers themselves. The author drew on 4Mi data, collected through structured interviews with migrants and migrant smugglers. The interviews with migrants and migrant smugglers were conducted between September 2014 and March 2017 by trained field monitors using smartphone technology to transmit completed interviews to RMMS. This paper presents the relevant data on migrants, collected through the structured interviews with migrants, as well as direct quotes taken from smugglers during the interviews. The author also drew on multiple referenced sources, including the accumulated data and analysis of four years of RMMS resources. Details: Nairobi: Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat, 2018. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 4, 2018 at: http://iffoadatabase.trustafrica.org/iff/RMMS_Briefing_Paper6%20-%20Unpacking_the_Myths.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Africa URL: http://iffoadatabase.trustafrica.org/iff/RMMS_Briefing_Paper6%20-%20Unpacking_the_Myths.pdf Shelf Number: 150053 Keywords: Human SmugglingMigrant SmugglingMigrants |
Author: Europol Title: Two Years of EMSC: Activity Report Jan. 2017 - Jan. 2018 Summary: Ruthless and violent criminals are increasingly providing smuggling services to irregular migrants to evade border controls, migration regulations and visa requirements. Most irregular migrants resort to the assistance of profit-seeking smugglers. With improved border controls, migrants are deterred from attempting to illegally cross borders by themselves and are diverted into the hands of smugglers who put migrants' lives at serious risk and therefore pose a security challenge to the internal security of the European Union (EU). A pan-European response to efficiently disrupt migrant smuggling activities is still needed and the European Migrant Smuggling Centre (ESMC) is leading it by strongly supporting EU Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). Migrant smuggling continues to represent a highly-profitable business in which criminal syndicates enjoy low risk of detection and punishment. The business model of criminals involved in migrant smuggling is continuously evolving and responding to the dynamics and the needs of the migratory flows impacting the EU. Migrant smugglers are becoming more and more organised, establishing sophisticated professional networks, operating transnationally from source towards destination countries. According to the vast amount of data and information reported to the EMSC in recent months, targeting migrant smuggling therefore persists as one of the most relevant priorities. These factors highlight the need to continue developing comprehensive and coordinated responses across and between affected continents to efficiently combat migrant smuggling. Adaptable, innovative and agile support to EU Member States in the fight against this serious crime is required in order to face new challenges and that is where the EMSC is investing its efforts and allocating resources. The results of this report are the outcome of the cooperation between Europol, EU and non-EU law enforcement partners. Details: The Hague: European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation 2018. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 17, 2018 at: https://www.europol.europa.eu/publications-documents/two-years-of-emsc Year: 2018 Country: Europe URL: https://www.europol.europa.eu/publications-documents/two-years-of-emsc Shelf Number: 150248 Keywords: Human SmugglingIllegal ImmigrantsIllegal ImmigrationMigrant SmugglingOrganized Crime |