A renewed commitment to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking was announced on Tuesday by leaders attending the G7 summit in France.
The pledge was made by the Group of Seven nations alongside partner countries, including Kenya and South Korea.
A stronger effort against criminal networks was promised. Greater cooperation across borders was also pledged.
The move comes as governments face growing pressure to address illegal migration routes that stretch across continents and place vulnerable people at risk.
Criminal Networks Targeted
In a joint declaration, migrant smuggling and human trafficking were described as serious international crimes.
The statement noted that such activities undermine states’ ability to manage their borders and expose migrants to exploitation, abuse and dangerous journeys.
“Migrant smuggling and human trafficking constitute serious transnational crimes,” the leaders said in the declaration.
A commitment to protect vulnerable migrants, refugees and displaced people was also reaffirmed.
“We remain committed to fight against all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants,” the statement added.
Online Recruitment Under Scrutiny
Attention was also directed towards the growing role of digital platforms in smuggling operations.
G7 leaders called for closer cooperation with technology companies and online service providers.
The goal, they said, is to identify and remove content used by criminal groups to recruit migrants or organise illegal crossings.
The effort builds on agreements reached during previous G7 meetings in Canada and Italy.
Cooperation With Origin Countries
Leaders said stronger partnerships would be pursued with countries where many migration journeys begin.
The aim is to address conditions that drive irregular migration while improving protection for affected communities.
Support was also expressed for lawful and dignified return processes for individuals who do not have legal permission to remain in member states.
According to the declaration, migration policies must respect national laws while maintaining human dignity.
Building on Earlier Commitments
The latest pledge follows commitments made at G7 meetings in Apulia, Italy, in 2024 and Kananaskis, Canada, in 2025.
At both summits, human trafficking and migrant smuggling were identified as major global security concerns.
Efforts were focused on disrupting criminal financing, improving intelligence sharing and strengthening protection for victims.
Those priorities were reinforced in Évian.
Migration Remains High on Global Agenda
The three-day summit, held from June 15 to 17 in the French town of Évian-les-Bains, has brought together leaders from the world’s largest industrialised economies.
Alongside discussions on trade, security and economic growth, migration has emerged as one of the gathering’s most pressing issues.
For leaders around the table, the message was clear: international cooperation will be needed if criminal smuggling networks are to be weakened and vulnerable people better protected.
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