Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have renewed their pledge to intensify the fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking, warning that criminal networks continue to profit from dangerous cross-border migration routes.
The declaration builds on commitments made in Apulia in 2024 and Kananaskis in 2025 and calls for stronger cooperation against organised crime, online recruitment, and exploitation of vulnerable migrants.
In a statement, the leaders said they are determined to "prevent, counter and dismantle organized criminal networks" that profit from migrant smuggling, trafficking in persons and related crimes.
They also emphasised disrupting the "business models" of organised criminal enterprises, reflecting a shift from isolated law-enforcement actions toward broader financial, digital and intelligence-led disruption strategies.
Kenya, a guest at the meeting supported the declaration underscoring the role of partner countries in a problem that spans origin, transit and destination states.
"We are committed to tackling organised illegal migration," the leaders said in the declaration, adding that they remain focused on fighting "all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants" while protecting refugees and forcibly displaced persons.
The statement frames smuggling and trafficking not only as criminal acts, but also as threats to state sovereignty and to the safety trafficking not only as criminal acts, but also as threats to state sovereignty and to the safety and dignity of the people caught in the networks.
A major element of the new push is stronger action against online content used to recruit or move migrants illegally. The G7 said it will continue working with online platforms and relevant actors to detect, prevent and remove content linked to smuggling operations, building on earlier Canadian-led efforts.
Officials have argued that smugglers increasingly use social media and digital ads to market illegal journeys, fake jobs and other deceptive schemes, making platform cooperation a key part of enforcement.
The leaders also signaled support for targeted sanctions and
other restrictive measures against individuals and entities involved in migrant
smuggling, including online, where this fits national legal systems.
That approach reflects a growing emphasis on following the money and choking off the assets, accounts and services that allow smuggling networks to operate at
The declaration also stresses cooperation with countries of origin and transit to dismantle networks and reduce pressure for irregular migration. It calls for efforts to improve stability, economic conditions, rights and dignity in countries where many migrants begin their journeys.
The leaders further noted the obligation of states to accept the return of their nationals and to ensure that returns are timely, safe, lawful and dignified.
