Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations renew their commitment to combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking, pledging stronger international cooperation to dismantle criminal networks profiting from irregular migration.
In a joint declaration supported by Kenya and the Republic of Korea, the leaders outline measures including sanctions against smugglers, closer collaboration with online platforms and relevant actors, and enhanced partnerships with countries of origin and transit to address the root causes of migration.
“We, the Leaders of the G7, reaffirm our enduring efforts to prevent and counter the smuggling of migrants. Taking stock of the G7 Leaders’ statements adopted in Apulia in 2024 and Kananaskis in 2025, we renew our commitment to preventing, countering and dismantling organised criminal networks that profit from the smuggling of migrants, the trafficking in persons and other related crimes, as well as to disrupting the business models of organised criminal enterprises. Partner countries of the G7, Kenya and the Republic of Korea, also support this declaration,” they stated.
The declaration notes that migrant smuggling and human trafficking are serious transnational crimes that erode the sovereign right of States to control their borders and expose smuggled and trafficked persons to life‑threatening risks.
The leaders say they will deepen cooperation with countries of origin and transit to dismantle smuggling and trafficking networks.
They pledge to assist in enhancing stability so individuals can live and thrive in their own countries, safeguarding safety, rights, and dignity, including through improved economic conditions.
“We are committed to tackling organised illegal migration. We remain committed to fighting against all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants, ensuring protection of the most vulnerable, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons,” the declaration adds.
Relevant ministers were also tasked with continuing robust action to deliver on the 'G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants'.
“We note the obligations on States to accept return of their own nationals and to enhance processes to ensure timely, safe, lawful and dignified return of those with no legal right to stay in our territories. Respectful of national competences, we take note of new lawful approaches explored by some members with third countries to strengthen migration management,” they added.
At the same time, the leaders commit to intensifying the fight against drug trafficking, warning that the growing trade in illicit drugs poses a serious threat to national security, public health, and economic stability.
In a second joint declaration supported by Brazil, the Republic of Korea, and Kenya, the leaders call for stronger international cooperation, including enhanced port security, tougher action against criminal networks, and measures to curb money laundering and other illicit financial flows linked to the drug trade.
They note that the adaptability of organised crime groups and rising global demand for drugs have created a major and increasing threat to national security, fueling corruption and violence.
To counter this, they commit to supporting multilateral agencies and processes to strengthen global counternarcotics, including Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Narcotics Control Board, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and the European Coalition Against Drugs.
Relevant state ministers are directed to implement the Network by November 2026 and further strengthen port security against drug and precursor chemical trafficking, with a focus on broadening cooperation with the private sector and enhancing shipping security standards.
“We recognise that drug trafficking networks perpetrate and profit from other forms of cross‑border organised crime, including human trafficking, as well as fraud, corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing and related illicit financial flows. These criminal networks also often thrive from crimes that affect the environment, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” they said.
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