Madam President, the concept of a human smuggler has been weaponised to justify increasingly repressive migration policies. The EU criminalises smugglers, even those who act without profit. Migrants themselves, such as boat drivers, as well as those offering humanitarian or solidarity-based support.
But there is an undeniable truth we must face: as long as safe and legal migration routes are unavailable, people will continue to rely on smugglers to exercise their fundamental right to freedom of movement. Yes, there are unscrupulous individuals who exploit migrants, exposing them to serious risks and these people must be held accountable.
However, we must not overlook those who act with an ethic of care, supporting de facto migrants in their search for a better life. Let's remember that, by the same logic, the fishermen who helped Jews escape the Holocaust would be labelled as criminals today. If you truly seek to end smuggling-related violence, the solution is clear: we must open safe, legal migration routes.