The Global Migration Group (GMG) issued a Statement on the Human Rights of Migrants in Irregular Situation on 30 September. Excerpts from the Statement follow:
“The Global Migration Group is deeply concerned about the human rights of international migrants in an irregular situation around the globe….
Too often, States have addressed irregular migration solely through the lens of sovereignty, border security or law enforcement, sometimes driven by hostile domestic constituencies. Although States have legitimate interests in securing their borders and exercising immigration controls, such concerns cannot, and indeed, as a matter of international law do not, trump the obligations of the State to respect the internationally guaranteed rights of all persons, to protect those rights against abuses, and to fulfill the rights necessary for them to enjoy a life of dignity and security….
The GMG calls upon States to review the situation of migrants in an irregular situation within their territories and to work towards ensuring that their laws and regulations conform with and promote the realization of the applicable international human rights standards and guarantees at all stages of the migration process. The GMG recognizes the difficulties many States face and stands ready to continue to support them in their efforts to ensure the effective implementation of appropriate legislation, including through capacity development….
The irregular situation which international migrants may find themselves in should not deprive them either of their humanity or of their rights….”
GMG is an inter-agency group bringing together 12 UN agencies, the World Bank, and the International Organization for Migration to promote the application of relevant international instruments and norms relating to migration, and to encourage the adoption of more coherent, comprehensive and better coordinated approaches to the issue of international migration.
(As noted by Prof. William Schabas on his blog.)
Click here for the full Statement.
MIGRANTS AT SEA 