MIGRATION

Today every country experiences migration, either as country of origin, transit or destination or as a combination of these. It is estimated that in 2009, 200 million people, representing 3% of the world population resided outside their country of birth. Although the phenomenon of migration is not new, it has become more complex in today’s globalised economy and with the increased mobility of populations. Increasingly, the failure by States to effectively protect migrants against abusive practices has raised serious human rights concerns which are being denounced by human rights mechanisms and organisations.

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. Human rights mechanisms have been clear in stating that although countries have a sovereign right to determine conditions of entry and stay in their territories, they also have an obligation to respect, protect and fulfil a wide range of human rights of all individuals under their jurisdiction, regardless of their nationality or origin and regardless of their immigration status. In promoting a human rights approach to migration, OHCHR works closely with members of the United Nations family and other partners, including through the Global Migration Group.