States have reacted to actual and perceived threats associated with international mobility in different ways, including through cross-border migration management policies that seek to curb human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Both crimes are extremely difficult for authorities to detect at borders, with victims of trafficking, smuggled migrants and other people difficult to differentiate (McAdam, 2013). But border officials have an important role in the response to both crimes.

Policy Approaches
Effective border management to prevent human trafficking and migrant smuggling
  • Develop a strategic plan with standard operating procedures (SOPs), including procedures on migrant screening.
  • Enhance the capacity of border management systems to detect fraudulent documents and identity.
  • Develop guidelines and procedures to identify potential trafficked persons at borders (OHCHR, 2010, guideline 2.1).
  • Improve the capacity of border officials to identify and support migrants who may be at particular risk at international borders, including trafficked and smuggled people among them (OHCHR, 2014, guideline 3.12).
  • Manage borders and exercise jurisdiction through a human rights lens, taking into account the impact border policies may have on cross-border trafficking and migrant smuggling (OHCHR, 2014).
To Go Further
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