This article examines the role played by the concepts of “human trafficking” and “human smuggling” in the dynamics of contemporary migration governability. It does so through a critical analysis regarding the diffusion of these topics in international law. The conclusions are based on earlier work addressing the relationship between the fields of migration and security/crime, and the reproduction of international anti-trafficking policies and legislation. The ethnographic research was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in the city of Vienna, focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the practices of international organizations that deal with migration and criminal justice. The article also explores the issue of “victim” and “victimization”, taking into account the description of a movement of refugees affected by the rhetoric and laws against trafficking. © 2017, Centro em Rede de Investigacao em Antropologia. All right reserved.

human smuggling Vienna Refugees Human trafficking Migration governability

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