FROM BONDAGE TO FREEDOM
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elements separating trafficking from migrant smuggling are difficult to
establish and invariably puts the burden of proof squarely on the
individual seeking protection.
It is increasingly common for an individual to begin his or her
journey as a smuggled migrant only to be forced, at journeys end, into an
exploitative situation of trafficking. The failure on the part of both
Protocols to identify this operational link undermines their practical
applicability.
Conclusion
On the complete perusal of the two Protocols along with the
Convention on Transnational Organized Crime, it comes to fore that these
instruments are more in the nature of transnational cooperative treaties
with a crime control focus. However, both the Protocols contain ample
number of provisions, which worded in non-obligatory terms,
nevertheless, impose moral obligations on the member States to respect
and protect international human rights law. Without granting new rights,
the Protocols’ ensure existing rights to the victims. Moreover, the
Protocols’ have to be seen in the background of the negotiations and
deliberations, which took place in their preparation. In the background
of strong resistance towards migrants, inclination towards strong border
control, the two Protocols’ represent a significant step forward - a step in
the evolution of international human rights law on the above issues.
On the positive side, it can be seen that in the development of agreed
definitions of trafficking and migrant smuggling by incorporating a
common understanding of trafficking and migrant smuggling into
national legislation’s, State Parties will be able to cooperate and collaborate
more effectively than ever before. Common definitions will assist in much
needed development of indicators and uniform data collection procedures.
To conclude, the Trafficking Protocol and Smuggled Migrant
Protocol provide a right international legal regime to counter both
trafficking and migrant smuggling. Both emphasize the point that human
rights cannot be taken as a separate consideration. Its is inherent in the
very scheme of the two Protocols and needs to be strengthened in future.
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