A/HRC/17/33 identities, which are linked to the cultures both of the homeland and of the country of origin.39 A more thorough research and discussion on the civil rights of migrants and their political participation in host societies could reflect the different situations faced by migrants in various States and identify best practices and examples of successful integration in host societies through participation in the decision-making process affecting the interests of migrants. 76. Finally, the Special Rapporteur is of the opinion to strengthen the importance of improving international cooperation and governance. Unfortunately, the unwillingness of states to move forward in this area can be seen in the poor ratification record of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families,40 adopted by the General Assembly on 18 December 1990. In fact, only 44 States out of 192 United Nations Member States had ratified it by end of 2010. These were virtually only countries of origin; destination countries have in general not been willing to support measures designed to protect migrants at the international level.41 77. Rather than limiting migration, for instance through the criminalization of irregular migration and stricter control measures at borders, the Special Rapporteur suggests greater economic and social equality between the North and the South, so that migration can occur under better conditions and enrich the experiences and capabilities of migrants and their communities. Reducing irregular migration is a valid aim only if it is coupled with the understanding that this may well mean greater mobility overall – mobility of a different and more positive kind. This may require measures that go well beyond the usual range of migration-related policies. Reforms of trade policies could, for instance, encourage economic growth in developing countries. Development assistance could be another strategy, which could reduce irregular migration over the long term. Although some countries of origin have managed to achieve substantial growth, in general the gap between poor and rich countries has also grown further. Rapid demographic growth, economic stagnation, ecological degradation, weak State infrastructure and human rights violations still affect many countries in the developing world. According to the Special Rapporteur, tackling these root causes would be a significant step forward. IV. Conclusions 78. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Human Rights Council for the privilege and opportunity he has had to serve in this capacity. Unfortunately migrants are facing increasing intolerance and are becoming more vulnerable to potential racist or xenophobic outbreaks of violence, or they may fall prey to criminal traffickers and smugglers. Those with an irregular status are often afraid or unable to seek protection and relief from the concerned authorities and are often left without access to basic social rights, particularly health care, education and housing. However, migration can be an essential component of development and prosperity in countries of destination, transit and origin in all regions of the world, and migrant labour continues to be vital, and in demand, in most countries around the globe. 79. The Special Rapporteur has proposed a few possible themes to be further developed and highlighted the relevance of these issues to the mandate, taking into account a human rights perspective. These two issues, migration in the context of climate change and political participation and civil rights of migrants, are gaining 39 40 41 20 See note 6 above, pp. 310-311. See http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cmw.htm See note 6 above, pp. 302-303.