A Closer Look at Trafficking Routes. A report from 2021 sheds light on alarming trajectories and routes associated with human trafficking, revealing the extent of this global menace. Drawing insights from responses provided by countries under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), and Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), specific Smuggling of Immigrants routes have been identified.

One notable route is from Ethiopia to Lebanon, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Another involves Egypt, with routes extending to Botswana and South Africa. Germany stands out as a transit point with connections to Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. Italy, too, plays a role, with trafficking routes extending to Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Morocco itself is implicated in routes leading to Burkina Faso and Senegal.

Among these, a particular focus is on the geographic routes taken in human trafficking and smuggling of migrants from and to Morocco. The report outlines a troubling pattern where trafficking emanates from Morocco towards various foreign destinations. Notably, these destinations include the United Arab Emirates, known as a trafficking hub among the Arab Gulf countries, Europe, and West Africa.

The trafficking and smuggling of migrants are not isolated incidents; they form part of a complex network that exploits vulnerable individuals. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach, involving both source and destination countries, to dismantle these criminal networks and protect the rights and well-being of those affected.