Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org

UN urged to endorse declaration on safe migration to address human trafficking

  • Published on
    May 21, 2022
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Human Trafficking, Law & Policy
Hero Banner

Following the first-ever International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) meeting last week, UN member states have endorsed a 13-page declaration to ramp up efforts on safe migration. The UN General Assembly has also been urged to endorse the declaration in the coming months. Safe migration policies that are rooted in the protection of migrants’ human and labor rights are key to building resilience against human trafficking and modern slavery.

Responsibility to protect migrants’ rights

The IMRF last week was the first meeting reviewing the 2018 Global Compact on Migration, the first international agreement on migration. Since the adoption of the Global Compact, an estimated 15,000 migrants have died “in dangerous and perilous migratory tragedies.”

UN General Assembly President, Abdulla Shahid, said “regardless of their circumstances, the international community has a responsibility to ensure that the human rights of everyone involved are respected.”

The need for global implementation of safe migration policies is clear and urgent. Without humane immigration policies that advocate for safe migration for all, tens of millions of people face being put at risk of human trafficking. As the International Centre for Migration Policy Development notes: “Every person has a right to seek asylum, but they do not necessarily have the possibility of travelling regularly and safely in order to reach the intended country of asylum, making them vulnerable to human trafficking.”

What trade unions are calling for

For the Global Compact on Migration to be effective, the International Trade Union Congress Deputy General Secretary, Mamadou Diallo, said: “Trade unions have outlined since the very beginning a clear demand to ensure that the UN GCM adheres to human and labour rights standards.

“States must move beyond circular migration programs and put the focus on regularisation, humanitarian resettlement and sustainable development in countries of origin, transit and destination.”

ABC News reports:

The declaration said migrants continue to struggle to get humanitarian assistance, including search and rescue efforts at sea and medical care, “which creates and exacerbates situations of vulnerability.”

“Limited progress has been made in distinguishing the activities of smuggling networks from the provision of assistance of an exclusively humanitarian nature for migrants along perilous routes and in other situations where their life or safety is in danger,” it said. “In many cases, the provision of such assistance has been considered unlawful.”

We must advocate for the dismantling of inhumane and violent immigration systems that play into the hands of traffickers and demand safe migration for all in line with international labor and human rights standards.

Sign the petition today.

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

Florida depends on exploited incarcerated workers for Hurricane Helene recovery support

Florida is once again turning to forced prison labor for essential public services. This time the state needs help clearing debris following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently boasted the use of what he called “low-security inmates” to manage cleanup operations. But how does the Sunshine State treat the people who are providing this critical service? Trapped in debt as Florida saves money As Florida

| Wednesday October 2, 2024

Read more