This working paper reviews the major theoretical and conceptual approaches to human smuggling. It reviews how researchers, practitioners, and states have conceived of human smuggling as an aspect of international migration. The paper surveys the prominent approaches in human smuggling studies...

This discussion paper explores the rise of mixed, irregular migration with particular focus on the role of smuggling and trafficking in both facilitating that movement and influencing its impact. It explains the current migration context followed by a discussion and analysis of the smuggling...

This global, SDC funded, project seeks to contribute to the promotion of fair recruitment practices globally and across specific migration corridors in North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Target countries include Hong Kong SAR, Jordan, Nepal, the Philippines and Tunisia.

This toolkit provides information and advice to media professionals on how to report accurately and effectively on forced labour and fair recruitment. The toolkit includes the Media-friendly glossary on migration. Available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish and adapted to the national context...

A comprehensive modular training manual on fair recruitment to support its constituents to design, support and implement fair recruitment practices. This training course is available as an interactive (readymag) version and as individual downloadable modules (PDF). It contains four modules covering...

The ILO (International Labour Organization) global “Fair Recruitment Initiative” (FRI) aims at: helping prevent human trafficking; protecting the rights of workers, including migrant workers, from abusive and fraudulent practices during the recruitment and placement process; reducing the cost of...

The International Labour Organization and the World Bank, as co-custodians of SDG Indicator 10.7.1, have produced guidelines and an operational manual to support National statistical offices to collect and analyses statistics needed for the SDG Indicator 10.7.1. These Guidelines have been prepared...

Migapp is a mobile phone application which enables migrants to compare the cost of remittance transfers through various remittance companies, thereby reducing the cost of remittance transfers for migrants as well as enhancing financial literacy. It is utilized primarily by migrants.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, many migrants were already part of marginalized and vulnerable groups experiencing economic hardships in their countries of origin and host communities. Lockdowns and business closures have exacerbated the precarious nature of their livelihoods. 
 

UNHCR guidance regarding law of the sea, non-refoulement, and rescue and interception at sea. 

Practical guidance on principles and practices regarding rescue at sea as applied to refugees and migrants.

The report seeks to analyse the human rights situation of migrants in transit, highlighting human rights concerns as well as the relevant normative framework. It contains recommendations aimed at addressing critical protection gaps for migrants in transit.

This website offers employment termination legislation as well as links to quantitative indicators of employment protection legislation. Yet, migrant workers are not classified as a separate “theme”.

This website offers legal texts that identify occupational safety and health (OSH) requirements in national law and can be used to compare the legislation of countries/regions by subject. 

Starting from the basis of the push-pull theory, this article elaborates on an overview of macro-, meso-, and micro-factors that act together to inform the migrant’s individual decision to migrate.

This is an inter-agency operational website hosted and maintained by the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela, co-led by IOM and UNHCR. The website aims to be a single web-based entry point to facilitate communication, enhance coordinated operations in...

This document identifies different options for alternative care for unaccompanied migrant, asylum-seeking and refugee children and adolescents in Mexico, with the aim of implementing a model of alternative care for these children and young people in this country. 

Only available in Spanish.

Case management is a structured social work approach to migration management centred on individuals’ engagement with migration procedures. This briefing provides guidance for governments and civil society organisations interested in seizing the opportunity to develop pilot case management-based...

This study is the first scientific attempt, on the basis of global data, to comprehend the magnitude of the situation of children deprived of liberty, its possible justifications and root causes, as well as conditions of detention and their harmful impact on the health and development of children...

This document identifies key challenges to end child immigration detention despite a growing international consensus on this issue, and proposes concrete recommendations to provide adequate reception, protection and care for migrant and displaced children without resorting to detention.