The UN Security Council has urged member states, including countries of origin and transit to cooperate with each other and with relevant international and regional organisations in addressing illicit migration flows and dismantling smuggling networks.
The call is contained in a statement issued by the 15-member Council on Tuesday in New York.
In that regard, members of the Security Council should comply with their applicable obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international humanitarian laws, and refugee laws, the Council said.
It deplored the recent maritime tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea that resulted in hundreds of casualties, and extended deepest condolences to all those affected and to their families.
The Security Council also expressed concern at the recent proliferation of, and endangering of lives by and the smuggling of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Libya.
It expressed concern at the implications for regional stability posed by transnational organised crime and illicit activities such as smuggling of migrants.
It also condemned the said acts and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice.
The Council called for full implementation by State Parties of the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, as well as supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime.
The Council expressed strong support for countries in the region affected by the smuggling of migrants.
Members of the Council emphasised the need to step up coordination of international efforts in order to strengthen global response to common challenge and protect vulnerable migrants from being victimised by traffickers
Follow Us