This paper is part of the IOM Migration Research Leaders Syndicate’s contribution toward the Global Compact for Migration. It is one of 26 papers that make up a consolidated Syndicate publication, which focuses on proposing ways to address complex and pressing issues in contemporary international migration. The Migration Research Leaders Syndicate, convened as part of IOM’s efforts to extend policy and technical expertise in support of the Global Compact for Migration, comprises senior researchers from diverse geographic, disciplinary and thematic backgrounds. The Syndicate provides a channel for leading experts in migration to propose ideas to meet the ambitious goals outlined in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants of September 2016.

The Republic of Uganda Border and Migration Management Assessment was carried out in 2014 in order to give an overview of the migration management structure of the country. This publication allows the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda and other stakeholders to properly identify development needs and requirements. The assessment focuses on the following key areas of border and migration management: (a) administration; (b) migration regulatory environment; (c) border operations and policies; and (d) information technology management. It gives 38 specific recommendations for the short, medium and long term on how to improve border and migration management in Uganda.

Although human trafficking has gathered momentum and several international organizations have developed approaches to address it, the phenomenon remains a serious crime, with grave human rights concerns, that is largely overlooked in crisis situations. In addition, human trafficking is typically not considered a direct consequence of crisis. This misplaced assumption, coupled with the fact that counter-trafficking efforts are not necessarily understood as an immediate life-saver in crisis, often hampers the humanitarian response to human trafficking cases, particularly in terms of identification of and assistance to victims. In reality, as the newly published IOM report Addressing Human Trafficking and Exploitation in Times of Crisis reveals these efforts are a matter of life and livelihood for victims of trafficking and should therefore be considered with as much priority as for any other crisis-affected population and be addressed at the outset of a crisis. The report recommends that human trafficking in times of crisis be urgently included in the humanitarian community, with support from both emergency and development donor communities.

Understanding the key differences between trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants is important because these are different crimes that require different responses in law, both with regard to the rights of a persons who has been the object of one of these crimes and to the penalty for perpetrators

The IOM Glossary on Migration is an accessible and extensive collection of definitions of migration-related terminology. It is designed for a broad range of actors engaging with migration at the international level. It also provides some insights on regional and national practices. The purpose of this Glossary is to develop a common understanding and consistent use of migration and migration-related terms based, whenever possible, on international standards. Creating uniformity in language is an important starting point in migration discussions to ensure an accurate understanding and coherent exchange of information among actors working in the field of migration. This updated version of the Glossary reflects recent developments in the use of migration-related terms, drawing definitions from a wide range of reliable sources or reflecting IOM’s understanding of migration-related concepts.

In the context of the 10-Point Plan, a key objective of cooperative arrangements among partners is to ensure that migration policies are both effective and “protection-sensitive”, that is, they take into account the needs of all persons who travel as part of mixed movements, including asylum-seekers, refugees, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied and separated children and other groups.As opposed to the other action points of the 10-Point Plan, which outline tools for developing practical, protection-sensitive responses to mixed movements within a particular subject area, the theme of this chapter, “Cooperation among Key Partners”, provides an overarching methodology for addressing mixed movements. Most of the examples in the 10-Point Plan involve more than one actor and demonstrate how cooperation can be operationalized to address mixed movements in that specific area. By contrast, the examples presented in this chapter focus broadly on cooperation at the national, regional and international levels across several or all aspects of mixed movements.

Trafficking in persons is a serious crime that affects every country in the world. Conflicts that arise in countries or other geographical areas can exacerbate vulnerability to trafficking, as well as its prevalence and severity. As State and non-State structures weaken, and as people turn to negative coping strategies in order to survive, not only does the risk of falling victim to trafficking increase, but so too does the risk of perpetrating it against others. At the same time, conflict also increases the demand for goods and services provided by exploited persons and creates new demands for exploitative combat and support roles. For these reasons, United Nations entities and other international actors active in settings affected by conflict have a crucial role to play in preventing and countering trafficking in persons.