Transcript POLICY ON MIGRATION - IFRC.org

IFRC Policy on Migration
The role of National Societies
of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
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IFRC and Migration
Migration has always been a phenomena
What is new are certain characteristics:
increased fluidity, trans-nationalism,
and increased pressure on resources.
Migrants have always been met with suspicion
and fear.
Not recognising or denying the ‘humanity’ of the
foreigner is an old strategy.
What is new?
• The legalistic approach many
governments take.
• At first, this can mean more legal
certainty, security, predictability and
more rationality in policy setting and
implementation.
“the foreigner as a threat”
Migration is often perceived exclusively as a
challenge in terms of the management and
regulation (or prevention) of ‘demographic
pressures’ and ‘migratory fluxes’.
Reinforced by the notion of “the foreigner as a
threat”, this perception has tended to deflect
attention away from the humanitarian
dimensions of migration.”
Policy beginnings.
The issue of migration as a
humanitarian concern was discussed
in depth at a no of regional forums
Berlin and Manila 2002, Santiago de
Chile 2003, Athens, Istanbul and the
XVIII InterAmerican Conference,
Guayaquil, Ecuador, June 2007
InterAmerican Conference,
Guayaquil, Ecuador, June 2007
Commitment VI.
To better protect, support and
assist people. affected by
migration,
regardless of their legal status.
We will advocate for
unconditional access to migrants,.
reduce all forms of discrimination against
migrant workers and their families.
improve cooperation between National
Societies in countries of origin, transit and
destination.
respect the rights of all migrants, including
the Principle of Non-refoulement
We will advocate for voluntary return of
migrants to the country of origin.
Strategy 2020 guidance on migration:
We tackle migrants’ vulnerabilities by
addressing underlying causes,
Provide help to vulnerable migrants who are
in need of assistance and protection,
Reduce risks that they face along migratory
routes,
Empower them in the search for long-lasting
and appropriate solutions,
and promote understanding of migrants’
rights and their social inclusion
POLICY ON MIGRATION
Endorsed by the General Assembly in
November 2009
Reflects the global consensus of National
Societies that:
(1) migration presents a humanitarian
challenge of global dimensions,
(2) we must enhance the coherence,
effectiveness and predictability of Red Cross
and Red Crescent responses to migration.
Policy Principles
1. Focus on the Needs and Vulnerabilities of
Migrants
2. Include Migrants in Humanitarian Programming
3. Support the Aspirations of Migrants
4. Recognize the Rights of Migrants
5. Link Assistance, Protection and Humanitarian
Advocacy for Migrants
6. Build Partnerships for Migrants
7. Work Along the Migratory Trails
8. Assist Migrants in Return
9. Respond to the Displacement of Populations
10. Alleviate Migratory Pressures on Communities
of Origin
The Policy is inclusive and broad
whilst reinforcing International Law
We aim at an inclusive response to
all categories of migrants,
according to needs and
vulnerabilities
Our Policy insists on the right of
migrants to status determination
Inter-agency collaboration
IFRC is a partner of inter-Agency discussions
with UNHCR,
The Federation is ready to represent National
Societies’ needs in these discussions.
This is particularly important in discussions
concerning mixed flows.
Our concern is for vulnerability.
IFRC RELATIONSHIP WITH UNHCR
UNHCR has become a valuable
partner for the IFRC, at all levels:
Bilateral dialogue on policy issues
Multilateral cooperation that includes
a wide range of National Societies
On-the-ground partnerships in
complex field situations.
UNHCR has bilateral agreements with
many National Societies.
These agreements such as the ‘honorary
liaison’ role vary from context to
context. They range from agreements
concerning management of refugee and
IDP camps, agreements supporting social
services, to individual migrants in
countries of destination and mixed
migration contexts.
MIXED MIGRATION AND
COOPERATION WITH UNHCR
The IFRC’s cooperation with UNHCR
and the related intergovernmental
community has moved forward
particularly in regard to mixed
migration flows. IFRC, UNHCR and IOM
co-organised an expert roundtable in Tunis
last July on “Different People, Different
Needs”, related to the UNHCR’s 10-Point Plan
of Action on Mixed Migration.
Common humanitarian platform
It is important for the UNHCR and the IFRC to have
a common humanitarian platform
UNHCR naturally focuses on asylum.
However, refugees and asylum seekers, represent
only a small percentage of the migrants in mixed
migration.
Addressing the specific situation of asylum seekers
and refugees must not lead to reduced attention
to other vulnerable migrants.
All migrants in need have a right to basic services
and assistance, irrespective of their legal status.
The Red Cross Red Crescent:
• ensure all persons affected by migration have
access to humanitarian assistance, essential
services and legal support, irrespective of
their legal status.
• special interest in protection of migrants
exposed to risks to physical integrity and wellbeing, ie. unaccompanied and separated
minor migrants, cases of labour exploitation
and human trafficking.
Supports a collaborative partnerships
• aims to improve information sharing,
restoring family links and communication
• focus on disaster risk reduction and disaster
preparedness in order to alleviate the
pressures which compel people to migrate.
• special expertise and outreach in Restoring
Family Links (RFL). NS are in a strong position
to work together along migratory trails.
Humanitarian action
• takes measures to ensure migrants are
included in humanitarian action, and are
not prevented from receiving assistance.
• recognises that the human rights of
migrants including irregular migrants
need special attention.
• No migrant is without rights
What the Red Cross Red Crescent
does NOT do:
• it does not play a role in determining the legal
status of migrants
• it does not prevent or dissuade, nor
encourage migration. National Societies raise
the awareness of potential migrants
concerning the risks of migration, particularly
irregular migration, however, whether to
migrate or not is a personal decision.
We do not......
• participate in expulsions or deportations
of migrants. However, with the prior
consent of individual(s) who are being
forcibly removed, and the National
Society in the country of return, National
Societies respond to humanitarian needs.
Ensuring individual rights
• it never assumes that irregular migrants
arriving in groups have identical needs. Each
migrant is recognized as an individual with
individual needs and rights, including the
right to seek asylum.
• it will not collaborate with governmental and
non-governmental partners when the
objective is political and inconsistent with the
Fundamental Humanitarian Principles.
Challenges posed by migration
IFRC and National Societies recognise that the
challenges posed by migration cannot be met
by any agency or government acting alone.
We are keen to develop alliances and
partnerships to address these challenges, but
the objectives must take full account of the
humanitarian needs of the migrants
themselves, and be in compliance with the
Fundamental Principles.
Thank you
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