The UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants is a pilot project to assess the characteristics, drivers and impacts of migrant smuggling in rapidly changing contexts. The Observatory collects and disseminates data, information and analysis on smuggling of migrants. The information is gathered through regular field research in origin, transit and destination countries, with people on the move, law enforcement, civil society, and other key actors. This is complemented with targeted surveys with people on the move and migrant smugglers in origin and transit countries.
The Observatory provides up-to-date evidence on the modus operandi of migrant smugglers, smuggling routes, financial aspects and abuses suffered in the context of migrant smuggling. The information and analysis provided is essential to better understand the phenomenon of smuggling of migrants, in order to better prevent and combat smuggling and related crimes, and to protect the human rights of people who are smuggled. The information will be updated on a regular basis to provide real-time information, and to allow for a longitudinal assessment of the data and information.
Key research areas
- Smuggling demand: Prospective migrants and refugees’ motivations, intentions and preparations for the journey; financial planning; possibilities for regular and irregular travel; awareness of and interaction with migrant smugglers and other facilitators of mobility;
- Key routes and hubs: Itineraries and duration of travel; experiences of the journey;
- Smugglers’ Profiles: How migrant smugglers organise their business; strategies for identification of service-users (migrants and refugees); connections to forms of organised crime; adaptation to changes in policies and law enforcement practices;
- Smuggling fees: Prices paid for migrant smuggling services; methods of payment;
- Abuses suffered in the context of smuggling: Physical and sexual violence; child abuse; exploitation and human trafficking; deprivation of liberty; extortion; robbery; food and water deprivation; lack of access to healthcare; loss of life.
For more information on the UNODC Observatory on Smuggling of Migrants please contact us at: UNODC-research@un.org
