Friday, 27.06.2025.
Regional Conference “Risks of High Technology Use in Migrant Smuggling Cases”
PRESS RELEASE
Sarajevo, 27 June 2025
As part of the regional project supported by SMART Balkans – Civil Society for a Connected Western Balkans, the conference “Risks of High Technology Use in Migrant Smuggling Cases” was successfully held today in Sarajevo.
The conference was jointly organized by the “Vaša prava BiH” Association, Group 484, and Civic Alliance of Montenegro, within the framework of the project “Step by Step”, which aims to strengthen regional cooperation and enhance cross-sectoral responses to the challenges of modern migrant smuggling, with a particular focus on the misuse of digital technologies. The project is implemented through the SMART Balkans program, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.
Participants of the conference analyzed the ways in which organized criminal groups misuse information and communication technologies, as well as the growing risks of digital exploitation of migrants. Special emphasis was placed on the presentation of the Smuggle Alert digital platform, a tool that enables real-time alert sharing and incident reporting among relevant actors in the region.
Bakir Dautbašić, Secretary of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that the fight against migrant smuggling is a strategic priority for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 2018, around 180,000 irregular migrants have been registered in BiH, and according to Frontex data, about 80% of them use the services of smuggling networks. An effective response, he noted, requires the adaptation of legal and institutional frameworks, strengthening of professional capacities and IT systems, as well as robust inter-institutional cooperation within the country and the region.
Stefan Almehagen Sandstad, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to BiH, stated that migration is one of the key areas where international cooperation reveals its full value. He reminded participants that the Western Balkans has historically served as a bridge between Europe and other continents, and that over 100,000 migrants have passed through the region in the past decade. Although migration centers are less crowded today, criminal networks continue to profit from vulnerable groups. The Norwegian Embassy is proud to support projects like this one, which promote inclusive and rights-based approaches.
Dajana Cvjetković, Project Manager of SMART Balkans, highlighted the importance of networking between civil society organizations and institutions: “This conference demonstrates that it is possible to build trust and quality models of cooperation, especially in sensitive and transnational issues such as human smuggling.” The representative of CPCD further emphasized that “Step by Step” is currently the largest active regional project in this field, selected among 246 applications precisely because of its quality and the unique structure of partnership between civil society and institutions. This example, she noted, proves that CSOs are not only a service for citizens, but also a valuable resource for institutions seeking to address complex social challenges in an effective and responsible way.
The event brought together representatives of ministries of interior, judicial and investigative bodies, international organizations, and civil society organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro, who participated in panel discussions and open exchange of experiences, identifying common challenges and recommendations. These conclusions will be shared with all relevant stakeholders in the region to further improve coordination, policy development, and practices in the fight against migrant smuggling.
