Transcript No Slide Title

The International Legal Framework:
Multilateral Cooperation and its Opportunities
Panel discussion on the occasion
of the International Migrants Day
17 December 2010, New York
Global Ratification Campaign 20th Anniversary
Website www.migrantsrights.org
Labour migration trends and
characteristics
International migrant stock 1960-2010
Millions
250
200
150
100
50
1975
1980
1985
1990 1995
Years
UNDESA, 2009
2000
2005
2010
Labour migration trends and
characteristics (cont.)
UNDESA, 2009
International legal framework
International human rights law
ILO international labour standards
UN Convention on the Rights of Migrant
Workers 1990
N.B. This instrument is also one of the core
human rights treaties
Sharing the vision of the benefits of
migration with the public at large…
• "Despite the evidence, few
issues still elicit stronger
reaction than that of
migration (…)," says IOM
Director General William
Lacy Swing for the 2010
International Migrants Day.
"Unfortunately, many of
these discussions are based
on emotions and myths and
not on social and economic
reality."
…Sharing the vision of the benefits of
migration with the public at large
• Migration is here to stay and governments have to choose between
adopting a "high road" or a "low road" scenario to manage migration.
• The "low road scenario" is one of status quo based on stereotypes, fear,
and short-term political expediency. It is characterized by restrictive
migration policies and the paucity of dialogue on migration, at national,
regional and international levels.
• At the opposite end of the policy spectrum, a "high road" scenario would
heighten recognition of migration as an integral part of the global
economy and of migrants as vital constituents to any full recovery from
the current economic crisis. It would implement policies that better meet
increasing demands for labour migration, protect the rights of
migrants, promote regular dialogue and cooperation between
countries of origin and destination and highlight the economic and
social contribution of migrants both in home and host countries.
Inter-state cooperation (Part VI)
Obligations upon States to
consult and cooperate to promote sound, equitable
and humane migration conditions - Art 64(1)
collaborate to prevent and eliminate irregular
migration - Art 68
punish traffickers, smugglers and those who exploit
migrant workers (e.g. employers) - Art 68(1)-(2)
see also Trafficking and Smuggling Protocols to
International Convention against Transnational
Organized Crime 2000
Conclusions
« Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close
to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of
the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood
he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office
where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child
seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination.
Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning
anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home,
we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world. »
Eleanor Roosevelt
Thank you!
International Migration Law Unit ([email protected])