The organization therefore advocates a different strategy: tougher action against the criminal smuggling gangs themselves, but at the same time offering refugees more protection and prospects. “Belgium has a protection status for victims of smuggling with aggravating circumstances, but this is rarely used today,” says Depotter. “This way you can take people out of the hands of those networks.”
In addition, Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen is also asking for more specialized police officers to better map the smuggling organizations and track down those responsible.
