The protocol stipulates that UN member states should give high priority to preventing the smuggling of migrants due to the links of such activity with transnational organized crime and other criminal activities. The protocol also recognizes the need to provide migrants with humane treatment and full protection of their human rights. The protocol has four major sections: (1) general provisions relating to the smuggling of migrants by land, air, and sea; (2) smuggling of migrants by sea; (3) cooperation, prevention, and other measures; and (4) final provisions on evaluating the progress of member countries in implementing the protocol.