Vienna (Austria), 8 May 2024 – Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are global crimes that have evolved into multi-billion-dollar industries.
As crises continue to unfold, more and more people are forced to leave their homes in search of safety or a better future, making them vulnerable to these crimes.
The Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works with countries and communities around the world to find common solutions to eradicate these crimes.
The team has published its 2023 annual report, highlighting its main achievements over the past year, including dismantling criminal enterprises that trade in people and their hopes, convicting perpetrators and providing support and protection to victims and people in vulnerable situations.
“Last year, our work brought countries in the Global South closer together and facilitated cooperation across different regions,” says Ilias Chatzis, Chief of the Section.
“Our interventions addressed the criminal elements of migrant smuggling, its links to other crimes such as drug trafficking, arms trafficking and money laundering and the exploitation and abuse that migrants suffer at the hands of criminals.”
In 2023, the Section trained 3,485 officials worldwide in preventing, investigating and prosecuting these crimes. These experts, in turn, initiated 241 investigations, resulting, among others, in identifying and assisting 264 human trafficking victims.
Additionally, the Section analyzed the root causes of irregular migration and advocated for the creation of more legal pathways.
"We published groundbreaking studies and provided extensive training on new forms of exploitation facilitated through online technologies, the role of corruption, and the management of proceeds generated by human trafficking and migrant smuggling,” says Chatzis.
Benefiting from the support of many survivors, the Section examined the changing patterns of human trafficking that make it difficult to identify victims and refer them for protection and assistance.
“Looking ahead to 2024, we are learning from the work we have done to improve our approach,” notes Chatzis.
“We are increasing our field presence to get closer to the countries that need our help. We are embarking on new partnerships to harness the benefits of modern technology,” he adds.
The 2023 report also highlights the Section’s leading role in organizing key events in which UN Member States discuss the achievements and challenges of national and international responses to these crimes and the protection of people affected by them.