Regional study: management of the European Union external border and the impact on the human rights of migrants 2013, para. 20
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However, the Special Rapporteur notes that this focus on migrants who undertake irregular border crossings has significant relevance, as this is where the most egregious human rights abuses appear to take place. Of the utmost concern are the deaths of irregular migrants attempting to cross into the European Union. Other concerns are the mistreatment of migrants at the border, including practices which infringe their liberty and security, and detention regimes on both sides of the border that fail to adequately respect minimum human rights standards. Furthermore, even before crossing the border to the European Union, whether by sea or by land, migrants are often exposed to serious risks of abuse and exploitation en route, including by smugglers. This is particularly true for women and girls who wait in transit countries and who may be exposed to sexually based violence.
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants