Migration routes
Large mixed migratory flows have considerably affected OSCE participating States, in particular countries along the Mediterranean and Balkan routes. It has become evident that the ongoing migration crisis creates a perfect market for the exploitation of migrants within transit and destination countries by unscrupulous criminal syndicates and lone perpetrators.
While undertaking what are often life-threatening journeys, people in migration flows can be exposed to ransom, kidnapping, sexual exploitation and labour exploitation. These threats persist when migrants have reached the destination where their application for asylum or residency or application for asylum are processed. Risks emerge along all migration routes regardless of the situation, and the line between smuggling of migrants and trafficking of migrants often becomes blurred.
Addressing migrants’ vulnerabilities should remain a priority for all relevant actors. Practitioners must be vigilant with the dynamic patterns of migration flows and the constantly changing tactics employed by traffickers. A lack of efficient co-operation between participating States, as well as divergent approaches and procedures, can lead to failure in protecting migrants from falling prey to trafficking in human beings.
Since the 2015 Alliance against Trafficking in Persons conference that focused on combating human trafficking along migration routes, the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has adopted a comprehensive approach to equipping front-line actors and policymakers on how to mitigate THB risks in the context of irregular migration. This includes recommendations and guidelines on how to identify and support victims of trafficking among migrants and refugees, as well as facilitating the exchange of best practices across the OSCE region.