G7 leaders bolster commitment to combat migrant smuggling

The leaders, alongside G7 partner countries Kenya and Korea, vowed to dismantle organised criminal networks that profit from the vice and related crimes, with an expanded aim to disrupt the business models of organised criminal enterprises.

"Migrant smuggling and human trafficking constitute serious transnational crimes that erode the sovereign right of States to control their borders and expose smuggled and trafficked persons to life-threatening risks," read the declaration in part.

"We remain committed to fight against all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants, ensuring protection of the most vulnerable, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons."

Relevant Ministers were therefore tasked to continue taking robust action to further deliver on the G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants.  

"We recall our determination, expressed under the Canadian presidency, to intensify our cooperation with online platforms and relevant actors for them to detect, prevent and remove online content used to conduct smuggling operations," the statement added.

The leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation with countries of the crime's origin to restore human safety, rights and dignity.

They also urged States to expeditiously enhance processes that will ensure timely, safe, lawful and dignified return of those with no legal right to stay in the G7 and its partners' territories.

"Respectful of national competences, we take note of new lawful approaches explored by some members with third countries to strengthen migration management," they noted.

The commitment was renewed after the leaders took stock of the G7 Leaders’ statements adopted in Apulia in 2024 and Kananaskis in 2025.

The summits treated human trafficking as a grave transnational crime as its core declarations prioritised dismantling criminal networks, adopting financial intelligence, and ensuring protection for vulnerable populations.

The 2026 G7 Summit, scheduled for June 15 to 17 in Évian, France, brings together leaders of the world's major industrialized nations to discuss pressing geopolitical and economic issues.