MIGRATION

 

It is estimated that the number of migrants crossing international borders has grown steadily over the past four decades to an estimated 175 million in 2000. One out of every 35 persons is an international migrant. But more than numbers, it is the issues emanating from international migration that are of concern. Migration offers great chances and benefits to receiving countries, sending countries as well as to the migrants and their families, but there are also challenges that need to be addressed. OHCHR is confronted by a number of questions: What are the causes and consequences of such a large scale movement of human beings? What are the conditions under which a majority of migrants move across borders? What risks and possible human rights violations do they encounter before, during and after they move? How can OHCHR better protect them in their countries of origin, during their often, long and arduous journeys, and in the countries of destination?.

The position of OHCHR is that human rights are at the heart of migration and should be at the forefront of any discussion on migration management and policies. A comprehensive international framework exists and mechanisms have been created in order to monitor States’ compliance in promoting and respecting human rights of migrants. In this context, the establishment of specific mandates by the Commission on Human Rights on human rights of migrants (1999) and trafficking in persons (2004) as well as the entry into force of the International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (2003) have been major advances in the promotion of human rights of migrants.

OHCHR is committed to a human rights approach to migration and engages with other specialized agencies and international organisations in ensuring the protection of the rights of all migrants during the entire migration process. To coordinate its activities in the field of migration, OHCHR has established an in-house Migration Task Force.

- Publication : Fact Sheet No. 24 The Rights of Migrant Workers

- News and press releases