Migration policy framework for Africa and plan of action (2018 – 2030)
smuggling and other forms of international
organised crime, including human
trafficking, and can adversely affect national
and international stability and security.
In regards to migrant smuggling
strengthened transnational cooperation and
legal frameworks are essential responses.
Migrant smuggling can be prevented by
expanding legal migration pathways and
raising awareness on its dangers. It is
furthermore recommended to enhance the
identification of migrant smuggling cases,
and the investigation and prosecution
of migrant smugglers while ensuring the
protection of the smuggled migrants’ rights.
The core element of human trafficking
is the fact that the victim is deprived of
her/his will and is forced into slaverylike conditions or involuntary servitude.
It is thus imperative to improve the
identification of trafficked persons and
grant them protection and assistance.
In this regard Member States are urged
to align their national legislations and
counter trafficking strategies with
international conventions and protocols.
Further recommended strategies include
prevention through awareness-raising
among the public as well as state actors,
providing assistance and protection to
trafficked persons, improving prosecution
and investigation, and increasing
international cooperation and partnership.
Effective and sustainable return and
readmission of irregular migrants requires
cooperation and mutual understanding
between states of origin and destination,
and should not jeopardise the free
movement of persons on the Continent.
Reintegration refers to the process
of reincorporating a person into their
community or state of origin, and
may, inter alia, involve socio-economic
assistance and cooperation with the
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community the person is returning to.
Reintegration can be an important strategy
to prevent further irregular migration.
Addressing irregular migration and
establishing comprehensive migration
management systems can contribute to
enhancing national and international
security and stability. However, it remains
paramount to uphold the rights of all
migrants, asylum seekers and refugees
during all stages of the migration
process, and enhanced security measures
should serve to uphold these rights.
Forced Displacement is addressed in
terms of the specific groups that constitute
displaced people: refugees and asylumseekers, internally displaced persons
(IDPs), and stateless persons. A number
of strategies, including integration and
reintegration as well as crisis prevention,
management and conflict resolution,
play an important role in addressing
displacement. Since forced displacement
is closely linked to conflict, both as a
consequence and as a potential cause of
further conflict, it should be addressed
through national, regional and continental
dialogue and cooperation, with a view
to prevent and manage conflict.
African States have a long tradition
of hospitality towards refugees and
asylum-seekers and have developed legal
frameworks governing aspects of refugee
protection specific to Africa. Nevertheless,
Member States are encouraged to enhance
national efforts to fulfil international
protection obligations. This also includes
enabling appropriate and humane
screening of asylum-seekers at borders,
referral to competent authorities,
providing durable solutions
(voluntary repatriation,
local integration,
resettlement) to