The UN Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air 2000

The United Nations (UN) Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrant by Land, Sea and Air seeks ‘to prevent and combat the smuggling of migrants, as well as to promote cooperation among States Parties to that end, while protecting the rights of smuggled migrants’. These objectives reflect the inherent complexity of the phenomenon of migrant smuggling and the distinct — and at times conflicting — goals of international efforts in this field. This chapter explores the evolution and background of the Protocol, outlines its main provisions, their application and interpretation, and critically reflects on the purpose, limitation, and ratification.