G7 leaders have pledged to prevent and dismantle migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, describing their activities as “serious transnational crimes” that undermine border control.

The leaders made the commitment in a joint statement on Wednesday after the three-day 2026 G7 summit in Évian, France, where they discussed health, security, and economic issues.

Reaffirming earlier positions adopted in Apulia in 2024 and Kananaskis in 2025, the G7 said its renewed commitment builds on continued efforts to tackle organised illegal migration.

“We are committed to tackling organised illegal migration. We remain committed to fighting against all forms of abuse and exploitation of migrants, ensuring protection of the most vulnerable, including refugees and forcibly displaced persons,” the G7 said.

The leaders noted that the activities of trafficking networks expose victims to life-threatening risks, adding that Kenya and the Republic of Korea support the declaration and would partner in efforts to combat illegal migration.

“Accordingly, we task our relevant ministers to continue taking robust action to further deliver on the G7 Action Plan to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants,” the group said.

The G7—Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the UK, and the U.S.—acknowledged ministers’ efforts to impose sanctions and other restrictive measures against online migrant smuggling networks and said it would deepen cooperation with platforms to detect and remove content related to such activities.

“They also reaffirm their commitment, first expressed under Canada’s presidency, to strengthen cooperation with online platforms and relevant actors to detect, prevent, and remove online content linked to smuggling operations,” the group said.

The G7 also pledged stronger cooperation with countries of origin and transit to dismantle networks and prevent organised illegal migration.

The leaders also vowed to strengthen efforts to enable people to live and thrive in their own countries, including improving economic conditions and protecting rights and dignity.

“We note the obligations on states to accept the return of their own nationals and to enhance processes to ensure timely, safe, lawful, and dignified return of those with no legal right to stay in our territories.

“Respectful of national competencies, we take note of new lawful approaches explored by some members with third countries to strengthen migration management,” the G7 added.

The G7’s statement comes amid renewed efforts by the European Union, of which France, Italy, and Germany are also members, and U.S. President Donald Trump, to crack down on irregular migration.

Since returning to office, Mr Trump has signed agreements with Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Eswatini to accept deportees from the United States.

Earlier this month, EU member states also agreed on a new migration policy aimed at expediting the return of irregular migrants and allowing the establishment of return hubs in third countries.