"The European Union and its member states must recognize that irregular migration is a result of policies prohibiting immigration. Such policies only serve to open a new and lucrative market for smuggling rings, a market which could not exist without this prohibition," Crepeau said to the UN Human Rights Council.
According to Crepeau, European human trafficking rings will thrive if countries focus solely on reinforcing borders.
"The EU will only be able to regain control of its border if it banks on mobility. Banking on mobility means that the overall goal is to have the most migrants using official channels to enter and stay in Europe," the special rapporteur said.
The European Union has been scrambling to manage an influx of undocumented migrants from the Middle East and North Africa crossing the Mediterranean Sea. According to UN figures, some 60,000 asylum seekers have attempted the journey since the beginning of the year. Over 1,800 have drowned trying to cross into Europe.
Following a marked rise in migrant deaths recently, the European Union launched a naval mission to counter human traffickers operating in maritime areas within 30 miles of the shores. The mission includes destroying vessels used by smugglers to transport refugees.
In May, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the 28-nation bloc had not considered bombing vessels, foreseeing only a naval operation. According to leaked documents, the EU strategy includes an aerial campaign, as well as the possible deployment of ground troops in Libya, a major hub for people smugglers.
