NCJ Number
220338
Date Published
August 2006
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report presents an overview of national actions indicated in the second reporting cycle on states parties' compliance with the United Nations Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea, and Air, which supplements the Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime.
Abstract
The overview indicates that the majority of responding states that are parties to the Protocol already had in place or had adopted measures to implement many of the Protocol's provisions. Some states reported shortcomings and requested assistance in addressing them. The report summarizes and analyzes replies to a questionnaire sent to 92 countries that had ratified the Protocol. Only 35 percent responded to the questionnaire. The summary and analysis of replies highlights the progress respondents have made toward meeting the requirements of the Protocol, as well as any difficulties countries may be having in implementing its provisions. The report addresses the measures reported to have been taken for the protection and assistance of smuggled migrants, as well as their safe return to their countries of origin. Among the issues addressed in this regard are the protection of human rights of smuggled migrants, provisions for protecting victims from violence and intimidation by those who have exploited them, measures for meeting the special needs of women and child victims of smuggling, and notification to and communication with consular officers of migrants' countries of origin. The report also contains information on national action intended to streamline border controls and ensure the integrity and security of travel and identity documents that could be used for the purpose of smuggling migrants. The report expresses disappointment at such a low rate of response from states parties to the Protocol, which was even lower than that for the first reporting cycle. 14 notes