Africa is affected by a multitude of complex, dynamic migrant smuggling routes that connect countries across the continent and that extend to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the Americas. From the Mediterranean to the Eastern and Southern routes within Africa, migrants often face violence, exploitation, and the risk of trafficking; many do not survive. Today at #UNTOC2026, I highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation across jurisdictions, close the gaps that criminals exploit, invest in data, protect migrants, and address the conditions that make smuggling possible. This is an important opportunity to ensure that migration is addressed in a way that protects people, upholds human dignity, and tackles the criminal networks that prey on the vulnerable. Very grateful to South Africa for convening this event and for placing migration as one of its key priorities. @UNODC stands ready to deepen our partnership in supporting efforts that address this challenge.