Summary

This book is published by the Migration Policy and Research Department (MPR) of the International Organization for Migration

Detail

Human rights, as expressed in international and regional instruments, have entered all spheres of policymaking and migration is no exception. Nevertheless, migrants continue to be disproportionately affected by human rights violations. This is due principally to their status as non-nationals in the country in which they reside, but also occurs during their often perilous journeys and during or upon return to their home country. Contrary to common assumptions, documented migrants are not immune to abuse of their human rights, but migrants in irregular situations generally face higher levels of vulnerability, as they encounter greater barriers in accessing the protection to which they are entitled. It is of paramount importance to stress that human rights apply to all migrants, irrespective of their migratory status. Certain specific conditions or circumstances require particular attention because of the high risk of human rights abuse that they entail: hazardous modes of travel and abuse at the hands of smugglers; discrimination, racism and xenophobic violence;  de facto or de jure prevention from access to health and education;
detention; exploitation in the workplace; age- and gender-specific vulnerabilities; and human trafficking situations.

The International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) was dedicated in 2009 to addressing these challenges and identifying practical solutions with a view to giving effect to the human rights of 12migrants at all stages of the migration process. A summary follows of the general conclusions which emerged from the discussions and exchanges between policymakers and practitioners at two intersessional workshops held as part of the IDM, “Effective Respect for the Human Rights of Migrants: A Shared Responsibility” (25-26 March 2009) and “Trafficking in Persons and Exploitation of Migrants: Ensuring the Protection of Human Rights” (9-10 July 2009).