Migration has been a constant in society. Advances in

transportation and communication have encouraged the

growth and normality of international migration,

particularly considering the rising inequality, conflict and

demographic imbalances. 

 

On the 18th of December 1990, the United Nations

General Assembly adopted a Resolution on the

International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families. In 2000, the UN recognized December 18th

as International Migrants Day, an annual commemoration

focused on highlighting the contributions of migrants

across the globe and shedding light on migrant rights. 

 

Moreover, International Migrant Day provides the

opportunity to highlight the need for justice and the

vital importance in taking into account the unique conditions,

experiences and challenges faced by migrant workers and their families. It is necessary to recognize the different conditions that force migrants to flee their country of origin, whether it may be political or socio-economic and ensure that their human and fundamental rights are respected. 

 

The International Labor Organization praises the state of Qatar for making the necessary labor reforms to better accommodate and protect migrant workers. It is strongly advised for other states to follow suit and ensure that national legal provisions do not allow abuse or the exploitation of migrant workers. 

 

The Geneva Institute for Human Rights would like to take this opportunity to thank migrant workers for their positive contribution in building stronger and more resilient communities and strongly urges the international community to ensure that the rights of migrants continue to be promoted and protected.

 

This is particularly relevant taking into account that migrants have been at the very forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and yet continue to face discrimination, evictions and job losses. Migrant populations are most vulnerable to crisis considering their economic marginalization and the absence of adequate shelter and equitable access to healthcare. 

 

Reaffirming that it is a global obligation to create a safe and resilient world, the Institute calls for equal and fair wages and stresses on the importance of working towards improving migrant workers' living and work conditions.  Within that context, the Institute appeals to all states to implement the basic UN human rights instruments and ensure its enforcement and integration in national legal and policy frameworks.