How three UN Protocols are combatting organized crime　

Countries around the world face a growing challenge that transcends borders and legal frameworks: transnational organized crime.

Whether they are trafficking human beings, smuggling migrants, or illicitly trading firearms  – or engaging in other forms of organized crime – these criminal networks are evolving in scale and sophistication, endangering communities and undermining the integrity of justice systems.

In response,  the international community has taken a bold step. On November 15, 2000, the United Nations adopted the Protocols on Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants, followed in May 2001 by a third instrument on Firearms, laying the foundation for a coordinated global action to combat organized crime.

The Protocols are a vital component of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, which has achieved near-universal recognition, with 194 countries committed to its principles.

Over the past 25 years, real progress has been made. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has played a key role in turning policy into action.

With its support, countries have passed dozens of new laws targeting these crimes; more than 35,000 anti-trafficking and anti-smuggling experts have been trained; hundreds of criminal cases have been investigated and prosecuted; thousands of victims have received critical support and protection, and dozens of countries have strengthened justice systems to prevent, track and curb the spread of illegal weapons.

Ending human trafficking

The Trafficking in Persons Protocol seeks to combat human trafficking globally. It targets perpetrators who exploit vulnerable individuals through fraud, coercion, or abuse for purposes including forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced begging, domestic servitude or organ removal.

The Protocol gave the world the first internationally agreed, legally binding definition of human trafficking, ensuring consistent prosecution, victim protection, and international cooperation." Today, 185 countries have agreed to follow this treaty. Most of those countries have adopted anti-trafficking laws, strengthening both national action and international cooperation.

For example, in 2003 only two countries in Africa criminalized all forms of human trafficking. But the number has grown to 42. Today, most African countries have introduced legislation addressing all aspects of human trafficking.

Another powerful example of the Protocol's implementation is Panama's adoption of a landmark anti-trafficking law, with UNODC technical guidance. The "Law 458", enacted in 2024, sharpens the definition of human trafficking in the country, separates it from related crimes and addresses the use of new technologies by traffickers. It gives authorities sharper tools to detect complex trafficking schemes and ensures stronger victim protection, and guarantees support, reintegration and compensation for those affected.

The reform is already showing results. Between 2024 and 2025, Panama rescued 36 victims and prosecuted 14 traffickers across 10 operations.

Fighting migrant smuggling

Just as the Trafficking in Persons Protocol has reshaped national laws, the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol has driven global action. It focuses on dismantling criminal networks that profit from facilitating someone's illegal entry or stay in a country where they are not a citizen or a legal resident.

The Protocol has made a strong impact on laws around the world. Out of 151 countries that have signed it, 132 (87%) have passed national laws that make migrant smuggling or helping someone enter a country illegally a crime. Even the 29 countries that haven't officially signed the Protocol have created similar laws.

In Comoros, this commitment turned into concrete action. With UNODC support, in 2024, the island joined the Protocol and passed a new law criminalizing migrant smuggling.

Strategically located in the Indian Ocean, the island is now tackling its role as a key transit hub with stronger legal tools, protecting migrants and boosting cross-border cooperation.

Efforts to combat migrant smuggling along the South Asia–North America route have also delivered real results.

Enhanced cross-border cooperation and targeted training, delivered by UNODC experts, have strengthened investigations and prosecutions, while also making the journey safer for migrants. So far, these measures have led to over 90 cases being investigated and sparked joint operations between countries in the region.

Stopping the illicit flow of firearms

The Firearms Protocol is the only global legally binding treaty criminalizing the illicit manufacturing and cross-border movement of firearms and ammunition.

It empowers countries to regulate legal arms flows, enhance cooperation, prevent arms diversion into illegal markets and bring perpetrators to justice.

To date, 126 countries have joined the Protocol, which offers practical measures against all forms of trafficking, including emerging threats such as 3D-printing of weapons and the use of the dark web.

These measures include comprehensive record-keeping, firearms marking, safely managing stocks and implementing strict export, transit and import controls.

By 2024, UNODC had supported 64 countries in reforming their national firearms legislation and related criminal law provisions, marking a significant step toward global arms control and crime prevention.

Among the countries leading the way are Burkina Faso and Mali in Africa, Chile and Uruguay in Latin America, and Montenegro in Europe – all of which have updated their legal frameworks to meet international standards.  

North Macedonia is a notable example. In 2023, the country amended its laws to criminalize the illegal manufacture, trafficking, and falsification of weapons. These reforms brought its Criminal Code into alignment with the Protocol, making a significant step toward international cooperation and legal harmonization.

Several other countries are currently undertaking similar reforms.

In the last two years, UNODC trained around 1,700 experts worldwide and provided modern tools to help countries apply this Protocol.