Iran Statement at 13th UNTOC COP under agenda item 2c

Statement by the Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran Before 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime under Agenda Item 2(c): Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land Sea and Air (19-23 October 2026)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Mr. President,

The smuggling of migrants is inherently transnational. Effective responses must therefore address the entire route through which criminal networks operate and cannot be limited to enforcement at a single border.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has for decades experienced complex migration dynamics as a country of origin, transit and destination. Although Iran is not a Party to the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol, our practical experience gives us a direct understanding of the importance of comprehensive and cooperative responses to migrant smuggling.

Iran has consistently supported a coordinated response to transnational organized crime including smuggling of migrants. Our law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly, demonstrating the indispensable role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in preventing and combatting smuggling of migrants in the region, while ensuring that the migrants are protected and have every access to necessary assistance. This special regard to the protection of the smuggled migrants have been uniquely addressed in the new bill amending the previous Act of 2004 and the Law on the Protection of Children and Youth (2020).

Mr. President,

A meaningful whole-of-route approach should combine several elements: addressing the root causes that expose people to irregular migration; disrupting organized criminal networks along migration routes; protecting migrants from exploitation and abuse; and facilitating legitimate migration in accordance with national laws.

The wider conditions that generate irregular migration cannot be ignored. Armed conflicts, destabilization, foreign interference and prolonged insecurity can create environments in which organized criminal groups expand their operations. Migrant smuggling should therefore not be examined in isolation from the broader realities shaping migration routes.

At the operational level, criminal methods are also changing. Smuggling networks increasingly exploit artificial intelligence, social media, chatbots and deepfake technologies to recruit, deceive and facilitate movement. Meanwhile, many States, particularly developing countries, lack equal access to the technologies specialized capacities required to respond.

We therefore support effective and needs-based technical assistance, including appropriate technology transfer, training and capacity-building for law-enforcement and judicial authorities. Such assistance should be provided without discrimination or political conditionality.

We must also address external barriers to cooperation. We reiterate that unilateral coercive measures are unlawful and illegitimate and contrary to international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Their practical effects can restrict financial channels, access to technology and operational resources, thereby weakening collective efforts against migrant-smuggling networks.

Mr. President,

The success of a whole-of-route strategy ultimately depends on trust and meaningful cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, with full respect for national sovereignty and domestic law. Iran remains ready to contribute constructively to such cooperation.

I thank you.