Migration policy framework for Africa and plan of action (2018 – 2030) zz Implement mechanisms for noncustodial alternatives to detention and consider abolishing administrative detention of migrants. zz Promote voluntary return in preference to forced return, by encouraging and assisting those who do not qualify for humanitarian protection, to return to their country of origin in humane and safe conditions. iv. Prevent migrant smuggling zz Expand pathways for legal entry, both for migrants fleeing crisis situations and for those seeking work abroad, as well as ensuring that would-be migrants have access to adequate, understandable and gender-sensitive information about the opportunities available to them and the regulations governing regular migration. zz Tackle the root causes leading people to leave their countries. zz Develop community based solutions and livelihood opportunities to prevent the youth from falling prey to smugglers and raise awareness on the real experiences of migrants during their journey and once they reach their destination. zz Assess the impact of migration on the communities that are left behind and develop appropriate, gender-responsive development interventions, as some communities are obliged to sell their assets, and are possibly impoverished, to pay hefty sums to smugglers who threaten to harm their smuggled family members, while in addition losing their working population. These factors may cause further irregular migration. zz Carry out information campaigns to provide media outlets with accurate, objective and balanced information about migrant smuggling. zz Develop public information campaigns, involving for example schools, the media and social networks, in order to raise awareness about the adverse effects of migrant smuggling and to warn persons vulnerable to being smuggled, especially young people and their families, about the dangers involved. zz Strengthen the knowledge base through enhanced research and data collection efforts, aimed at bettering analysis of the nature and extent of smuggling of migrants along various routes, the structure and assets of the criminal networks and links with other forms of organised crime, corruption and terrorism. v. Transnational cooperation in the fight against migrant smuggling zz Strengthen or create networks of criminal justice officials, and other relevant actors, in order to strengthen border control, conduct joint investigations, and exchange operational information and intelligence informally. zz Use the Organized Crime Convention as a legal basis for international cooperation, in particular in the form of mutual legal assistance and extradition, to combat the smuggling of migrants. 50