13 January 2015 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that in the first nine months of 2014, at least 4,077 migrants died while being smuggled abroad. This is 70 per cent higher than the recorded deaths for the whole of 2013.
Asylum-seekers and economic migrants take to the seas, waiting out the dangerous journey in the boat’s cramped cargo space. Photo: UNHCR/A. D’Amato
Profit-seeking criminals exploit the lack of legal opportunities available to migrants and take advantage of their situation by offering services at great cost, including transport and document fraud.*
In the run up to the 13th United Nations Crime Congress this April, we are highlighting different crimes, showing their impact on development and how vital it is to tackle them in order to achieve sustainable development. In January 2015 we are focusing on migrant smuggling, outlining the scale of the problem and telling its transnational story.
Migration, a Positive Force for Development
Migration is a positive force for development. Yet, when migration is organized illegally by criminal groups for profit, its effect may be outweighed by the negative impact of transnational organized crime and corruption.
Migrant smuggling is one of the many transnational crimes that will be discussed at the 13 th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Doha, Qatar.
Held from 12 to 19 April 2015, the Congress will bring together governments, policy-makers and experts to share their experiences and intensify international cooperation in tackling the threat of transnational organized crime.
As the international community continues to discuss the post-2015 development agenda, the Crime Congress will focus on the links between security, justice and the rule of law, and the attainment of a better, more equitable world. (*Source: UNODC).
Further information at: Migrant smuggling at 2015 United Nations Crime Congress
Read also:
‘Turning Blind Eye Not a Solution’ to Mediterranean Migrant Crisis – UN Rights Expert
‘Save the Lives of Migrants; Stop Smugglers from Exploiting their Desperation’
Australia’s New Migration Bill Shifts Task to Security
Immigrants in Europe Struggle to Find Decent Work Amid Looming Economic Crises
UN Concerned over Spain’s Bid to Legalize Push-backs of Migrants
Rescuing Migrants in the Sea — Tunisian Fishermen Unlikely Heroes
“Media Reporting on Migration Rarely Includes Voices of Migrants”
Two Main Routes of Smuggling of Migrants Generate $7 Billion a Year to Criminal Groups
Greece Must Improve Detention Conditions for Migrants – UN Experts
Tracing Dead Migrants in Europe
Rights Groups Condemn Australia’s Offshore ‘Processing’ of Migrants
Baher Kamal
HUMAN WRONGS WATCH 
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