People smugglers globally 2017 (original) (raw)
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Human Smuggling: Structure and Mechanisms
Crime and Justice
Human smuggling is a form of illegal trade in which the commodity is an assisted illegal entry into a country. While this is hardly a new phenomenon, evidence points to increased involvement of smugglers in facilitating these journeys. This has been linked to the hardening of entry policies in developed countries. Smuggling markets tend to possess low barriers to entry and remarkably similar organizational arrangements in all the main smuggling routes in the world: no monopolies and small, localized, and rudimentary hierarchies. There are clear separations between migrant smugglers and their protectors and between migrant smugglers and drug traffickers. The limited empirical evidence suggests that, rather than being involved in other unrelated criminal activities, smugglers often run small-scale legitimate businesses. There is very little evidence of direct involvement of traditional mafia-like organizations. Finally, smugglers, often in competition to attract migrants, have developed diverse strategies to foster transactions, including investing in their reputations, offering warranties, and bringing in third-party escrow services. Recent developments in information technology have facilitated use of social media and the internet. Human smuggling, also commonly referred to as "migrant smuggling" or "people smuggling," was defined by article 2 of the United Nations Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, adopted
Despite its importance in global illegal migration, there is little, and mostly theoretical research on human smuggling. We suggest an analytical framework to understand the micro structure of the human smuggling market. Migrants interact with smuggling and financing intermediaries; these may or may not be integrated with each other, and with the migrants' employers. Policies of receiving countries (border controls, employer sanctions, deportation policies, sales of visa) affect the interactions in the smuggling market, and, hence, migration flows. We review the theoretical work, point to the scarce empirical evidence, and identify challenges for future theoretical, empirical work and policy advice.
STRATEGY People smugglers globally, 2017
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The Human Smuggling Industry: Nuances and Complexities
2018
Despite the popular depiction as immoral and deceitful villain who do not hesitate to toss human beings in the sea or abandon them under the scorching desert sun, human smugglers’ services seem to be in high demand lately. Little is known about how human smugglers operate and the reasons that push millions to rely on their services. Scholarly and mainstream understanding of human smuggling is often plagued with fragmented perspectives on the socio-cultural dynamics of the migratory journey, the facilitator-traveler relationship and their community dimensions. A truly effective answer to human smuggling requires a better understanding of the phenomenon. Based on data collected during extensive ethnographic research conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean route and the Central American corridor, this paper aims to provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of human smuggling and the actors involved.
People smugglers: The other 'boat-people'
With over 16 million refugees and asylum seekers worldwide, the necessity of an effective global response has never been more paramount. However, with little consideration of the realities of the refugee situations, Australia's border protection policies have been strengthened, limiting the legitimate solutions available to asylum seekers. This article will focus on the alternative solutions demanded by asylum seekers, and in particular on the 'assistance' provided by people smugglers. People smugglers apprehended in Australian waters are found to be Indonesian fishermen, with the nation's high poverty rate considered the primary driver for their involvement in smuggling activities. Without adequate support from their government, Indonesian fishermen may consider the income generated from people smuggling ventures more beneficial than the potential risks such as imprisonment. It will be argued that Australia's response to the 'boat people' challenge must change: resources need to be targeted correctly with a focus on development in Indonesia, rather than barrier building. Disadvantaged Indonesian fishermen must be provided with increased income opportunities and security, while asylum seekers need to be provided with legitimate relocation options. This will see the Australian government more effectively working towards its goal of " stemming the flow of refugees " .
"None of the categories that are used to talk about smuggling or irregular migration are neutral: they are loaded with notions of class, of race, of difference. The discourse of smuggling is not about European people: the threat is constructed as male, black, brown; as African, as Muslim; as foreign."