This document presents a comparative analysis of findings from individual monitoring reports compiled by members of the Balkan Migration and Refugee Council, in collaboration with a network of researchers and professionals affiliated with civil society organizations. These members, representing National Platforms for the Prevention of Migrant Smuggling and Protection of Smuggled Migrants, collected data on smuggling phenomena during monitoring visits and conducted interviews with key stakeholders and migrants in their respective countries during 2022 and 2023.
The document aims to succinctly summarize operational data gathered at the national levels during monitoring visits and desk research. Its objective is to illustrate the complexity of the smuggling phenomenon, depict the extent of its problematic nature and provide clearer identification of areas requiring reinforcement within the irregular migration suppression system. This reinforcement is intended to enhance the system and further incapacitate smuggling networks.
Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the vulnerabilities and risks faced by smuggled migrants, emphasizing the consequences of criminal activities as significant societal threats. It underscores the importance of documenting and prosecuting the vulnerabilities and injuries experienced by smuggled migrants during the smuggling process, with the aim of fulfilling the purpose of punishment, the preventive role of punishment and so forth.
This document is intended for decision-makers in respective countries and the broader interested public. Its purpose is to provide insight into the realities of smuggling phenomena and the imperative need for robust responses to combat such criminal activities.