ANEEJ Urges States to Adopt a Human-Centred Approach to Migration, Prioritise Protection of Vulnerable Women and Children

VIENNA AUSTRIA. OCTOBER, 15TH, 2025… As the curtain closes on the fourth edition of the Constructive Dialogue on the Smuggling of Migrants, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has urged State Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) to adopt a holistic, human-centred approach to migration which prioritizes the protection of smuggled migrants, particularly vulnerable women and children, rather than criminalizing victims of smuggling.

This position was clearly articulated at the high level Constructive dialogue on the smuggling of migrant held on Monday at Vienna International Centre. The Dialogue which was convened under the UNTOC Review Mechanism built on the outcomes of last week’s 12th Working Group on the Smuggling of Migrants, which produced key recommendations on protecting migrants, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and promoting safe and legal migration pathways.

Speaking at the event, ANEEJ Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor, who was represented by Hussein Adeleye, ANEEJ Communications Officer, noted that migration today is being “fueled by desperation — driven by war, poverty, persecution, and the impacts of climate change.” He emphasized that addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, stating:

“We must invest in peacebuilding, climate mitigation, and the empowerment of women and girls to tackle the root causes that force people into dangerous migration pathways,” Ugolor underscored.

Throughout the Dialogue, experts highlighted persistent challenges in implementing the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) Protocol, which mandates that States criminalize acts of smuggling but not the migrants themselves. Rev. Ugolor underscored the human impact, stating:

“Far too often, migrants are arrested, detained, and prosecuted as offenders rather than being recognised as victims of exploitation, entitled to protection and access to justice.”

To address these challenges, he called on State Parties to strengthen their human rights and anti-smuggling frameworks by ensuring that smuggled migrants have access to legal aid and clear guidance for law enforcement authorities to prevent the criminalization of victims.

“A human-centred, rights-based approach is not optional — it is essential if we are to protect the dignity and safety of those most at risk in migration,” Rev. Ugolor concluded.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Francesco Testa, Co-Chair of the 12th Working Group on the Smuggling of Migrants, welcomed participants and underscored the critical role of civil society organizations in the Dialogue. He highlighted that the Working Group had convened prior to the Dialogue and developed nine key recommendations aimed at strengthening global responses to migrant smuggling.

Among the most salient recommendations were protective measures for migrants, particularly women and children, ensuring their safety and fair access to justice, and the development of seasonal worker programs to expand legal migration opportunities and reduce reliance on irregular channels.

Further extolling the role of civil society organisations in the review process, Ian Tennet, Chair of the Board of the Alliance of NGOs, noted their critical role in the universalisation and effective implementation of the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants, particularly in addressing human rights risks inherent in state responses to irregular migration

“Evidence-based research led by civil society is crucial to identify global smuggling hotspots and understand the underlying factors and drivers of irregular migration through innovative approaches at national, regional, and global levels. It is equally essential to recognise the coercion, exploitation, physical or psychological abuse, inhumane conditions, and other factors that perpetuate migrant smuggling, and to provide appropriate protection and rehabilitation services to those affected.” Tennet emphasised.

“Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety, and a better future. It is part of the social fabric — part of our very make-up as a human family,” a quote by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan echoed during one of the panel discussions, underscoring the human dimension of the issue.

“We must move beyond criminalisation to protection from rhetoric to results. Governments must adopt a holistic, gender-responsive, and human-centred approach to migration, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Ugolor, concluded.

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