Smugglers are responsible for 50 percent of abuses against migrants

Smugglers are responsible for 50 percent of all incidents of sexual violence, physical violence, robbery and kidnapping, according the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) through analysis of over 10,000 interviews with refugees and migrants. The report, the 2018 Mixed Migration Review, found that restrictive policies do not shift people’s motivation to move, but how they choose to do so with the options they have.

“Rather than reducing irregular migration, policy efforts tend to lead smugglers to adapt their routes and methods that make journeys more dangerous for refugees and migrants. At least 60,000 refugees and migrants have died during their journey since the start of this century. But if governments only seek to restrict migration and asylum arrivals, lucrative business opportunities will continue to be available for smugglers,” said Bram Frouws, head of the Mixed Migration Centre.

“Smugglers often provide them their only option to reach safe havens. If people want to migrate, there will be smugglers,” he added. In 2016, at least 2.5 million people were smuggled worldwide for an economic return of up to USD 7 billion. Depending on the stage of their trip, between one third and two thirds of all respondents report having experienced sexual or physical violence, robbery or kidnapping.

Motivations differ per migration route, the report revealed. “Migration from West Africa is primarily driven by economic reasons, while movement from Afghanistan is more related to violence and insecurity. Those from the Horn of Africa towards Yemen and Saudi Arabia are primarily moving for economic reasons, while those moving from the Horn towards North Africa and Europe are also moving due to a lack of basic rights. Most people experience severe abuses on the route, but almost 70 percent of all respondents said that they would migrate again, even knowing the increased risks now, showing the strength of people’s aspirations and determination to move,” said Bram Frouws.

However, while many would make the same decision, they also say they would not encourage others to follow suit. Frouws said: “Almost 60 percent of the same respondents said knowing the increased risks now they would not encourage others to migrate.”

TMP – 23/11/2018

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Photo caption:  BERKASOVO, SERBIA: Refugees walking carrying heavy bags on the Croatia Serbia border