A/HRC/35/25
(b)
Increased proportion of migrants with equal access to adequate, affordable,
accessible and quality health care, education and housing;
(c)
Access to universal health-care coverage, formal education, language
training, vocational training and lifelong education, and cross-border recognition of skills
and qualifications, thereby facilitating the social and economic integration of all migrants.
Goal 7.
Protect all migrants from all forms of discrimination and violence, including racism,
xenophobia, sexual and gender-based violence and hate speech
Rationale
70.
Mobility and diversity are already and will increasingly be the hallmark of
contemporary societies, especially in dynamic urban areas which welcome most of the
world’s migration. Often at opposite ends of the social spectrum, the arts community and
the business community know that diversity and mobility contribute to the dissemination of
creativity, innovation, ideas and know-how and to wealth production.
71.
The view and labelling of migrants as illegal is counterproductive and is not
supported by international law. Although migrants who arrive in countries of destination
without documents may be considered to be in an irregular situation, undocumented or
unauthorized, they have not committed a criminal act. A human being cannot be
intrinsically illegal, and naming anyone as such dehumanizes that person. Characterizing
undocumented migrants as illegal has undoubtedly legitimized policies that contradict
human rights guarantees, such as criminalization and prolonged detention. It has also had
an impact on the general public’s perception of migrants and contributed to xenophobia,
discrimination and violence.
72.
A fundamental shift in how migration is framed is thus required, in both actions and
words. Many of the intersecting and negative perceptions of migrants and migration that
have pervaded public debates, policies and politics must be challenged. Appropriate
language, precise data and policies that promote respect and acceptance of cultural diversity
will favour the inclusion of migrants, facilitate their integration and increase their
contribution to development.
73.
Mobility and diversity create complex issues that require sophisticated policies, a
long-term vision, targeted investments and nuanced discourses. Until now, with a few
exceptions, these requirements have not been met even though strong integration policies,
efficient equality and anti-discrimination mechanisms, vigorous countering of hate speech,
access to justice for all and the promotion of diversity at all levels are urgently needed in
order to ensure that migrants become active citizens.
Targets
20
7.1.
Monitor inequalities and discrimination against migrants by establishing and
enforcing a policy-specific time frame for the reduction of such acts in laws, policies
and practices
7.2.
Prohibit by law acts of violence and manifestations and expressions of racism,
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against migrants to ensure the
protection of migrants and guarantee their access to means of recourse, redress and
remedies
7.3.
Establish at all levels of government, including municipal authorities, inclusive
institutions, policies and practices that recognize and value all forms of diversity
7.4.
Incorporate diversity, whether of origin, transit or destination, into the national
narrative of all countries
7.5.
Develop and implement campaigns at the national and global levels to counter
xenophobia, discrimination, racism and violence against all migrants