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New UN report warns against ‘dehumanizing’ migrants looking for work — Global Issues


Report, We wanted workers, but humans came, published just before International Migration Dayfocuses on active schemes across the Asia-Pacific region – the largest single migrant generating region in the world.

Migrant workers often lose their humanity“, speak UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, reminded that “they are human beings who enjoy human rights and have their dignity fully protected”.

Misleading promises

Every year, millions of people leave their home countries under temporary labor migration programs that promise economic benefits to destination countries and development dividends to countries of origin.

The report details how in many cases temporary work programs impose a range of unacceptable human rights restrictions.

It highlights how migrant workers are often forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary homes, cannot afford nutritious food, do not receive adequate health care, and face unemployment. prolonged and sometimes forced separation from family.

Furthermore, policies that exclude them from government support in some countries put migrants at risk of imbalance. COVID-19 infection, the report said.

They should not be expected to give up their rights in exchange for being able to migrate to work, no matter how important it is to them and their families.and for the economies of their countries of origin and destination”, emphasized Mr. Türk.

case study

The report cites the example of an unnamed State, which required government permission to marry a citizen or permanent resident.

On the other hand, some designated “family quarters” cannot be rented to temporary migrants because workers are not allowed to migrate with their families.

No time to worship

As part of some seasonal programs, migrants have to work Saturdays and Sundays, leaving them with no time to attend religious services.

Immigrant domestic workers in other States have reported being fired if they pray or fast while at work.

Some migrant construction workers reported receiving substandard medical care at clinics provided by their employers.

Restrictions on human rights cannot be justified by arguing that the immigration status of migrants is temporary.Nor can States entrust employers and other private actors with their obligations as obligors to guarantee the human rights of all migrant workers and members members of their family,” emphasized Mr. Türk.

“Countries need to introduce comprehensive, human rights-based labor migration policies along migration corridors within and from Asia and the Pacific as an alternative to temporary programs. restrictive and in some cases exploitative”.

forcible disappearance

Migrants are especially at risk during often arduous journeys just to try to reach their destination.

before sunday International Migration DayNearly a dozen independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations have called on States to urgently accelerate efforts to address the forced disappearance of migrants.

“Therefore, effective and systematic coordination among countries along the route is essential,” they said in a statement. statement.

Workers install electrical cables in South Luzon, Philippines.

© ILO/Bobot Go

Workers install electrical cables in South Luzon, Philippines.

Cooperation is ‘key’

UN rights experts stress countries must work together to prevent thousands of migrants going missing every year on the road.

Citing the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated, they say that more than 35,000 migrants have died or gone missing since 2014.

However, there is no exact figure on the proportion of forced disappearances in cases involving State agencies or people acting with the authorization, assistance or consent of States.

But information indicates that most disappearances occur during detention or deportation or as a result of migrant smuggling or trafficking.

Mutual support and cooperation are key to finding missing migrants, investigating their disappearance, and accompanying their families and loved ones in these processes, the experts said. , as well as protect and prevent this heinous crime.” systems”.

Rigid policy

They blame the countries’ rigid migration and border management policies for many of the disappearances, citing policies that include mass denials of entry; criminalization of migration; and mandatory, automatic, or widespread use of immigration detention; and arbitrary deportation.

These factors encourage migrants to take more perilous routes, placing their lives in the hands of smugglers and putting them at greater risk of human rights violations and persecution, the experts point out. forced disappearance”.

Migrant workers on a Thai fishing boat.

Photo: ILO (documentary)

Migrant workers on a Thai fishing boat.

Worrying trend

The Commission on Forced Disappearances start for the first time General comment in the context of migration to guide States on their legal obligations and to put in place measures to protect migrants. The Commission on Forced Disappearances started for the first time General comment in the context of migration, to guide States on their legal obligations and to put in place measures to protect migrants.

Experts call on countries, human rights mechanisms and other organizations to work together to prevent forced disappearances.

“Particular attention must be paid to the needs of women and children, especially unaccompanied children, who are both direct and indirect victims of these crimes,” they said.

Experts

Click here for the names of the experts who signed this statement.

Special Rapporteur and independent experts appointed by the UN based in Geneva Dong Nhan Quyen Association arrive check and report back about a particular human rights topic or a country situation. The positions are honorary and professionals are not paid for their work.

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