On 27 August 2020, the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) finalised and approved the text of the Council of Europe Action Plan on Fostering International Co-operation and Investigative Strategies in Fighting the Smuggling of Migrants. The aim of the Action Plan is to help member states foster and improve strategies in fighting the criminal phenomena connected to the smuggling of migrants. It also includes complementarity and co-operation with other international actors on these matters. The Action Plan includes five objectives to be covered in the period 2020-22.
- Addressing investigative, prosecutorial and judicial challenges in migrant smuggling-related cases
- Consider evaluating and improving mutual legal assistance mechanisms and other methods of international co-operation
- Fostering co-operation amongst source, transit and destination countries
- Facilitating information exchange between law enforcement authorities
- Ensuring information knowledge in the field of migrant smuggling
The promotion, implementation and follow-up of the Action Plan is overseen by the CDPC.