A/61/324 54. The Special Rapporteur believes that a greater understanding and acknowledgment of the need for migrant labour and of the many positive contributions made by migrants to the societies in which they live is key to reducing their vulnerability to many human rights violations. This information would also play a central role in the development of migration policies that correspond to the realities and needs of the countries concerned. VI. Conclusions and recommendations 55. Insufficient information and lack of awareness by many sectors of society of the realities of migration are important factors in the vulnerability of migrants to abuse. Of particular importance, both as a push factor for international migration and as an element in this vulnerability, is the issue of the demand for migrant labour and migrants’ participation in the labour market of receiving countries. 56. The acknowledgement of the existence of this demand should begin with the collection and/or publication by Governments of data on the presence of migrant labour in their countries, by sector of the economy, over the past five years. This collection of data should be followed by the adoption of immigration policies which are consistent with receiving countries’ real demand for migrant labour, which, with the opening of avenues for regular migration, should lead to a decrease in irregular migration. Finally, Governments should undertake public awareness campaigns regarding the need for migrant labour and the contributions made by migrants to their economies so as to better combat the racist feelings and anti-migrant arguments of certain sectors of their population. 57. The Special Rapporteur thus considers it of particular importance that better mechanisms be put in place for the collection, sharing and dissemination of information on migrants in general. In particular, as stated above, the collection of information on the existence of demand for migrant labour and the participation in the economy of irregular migrants should permit consistency and the harmonization of policies, and increase public awareness of the need for migrant labour and of migrants’ contributions to the economies of the societies in which they live. This task could be accomplished through a number of different measures. 58. The numerous initiatives that have been taken in preparation for the High-Level Dialogue and discussions on what should follow from that event have resulted in a number of proposals, including the creation of an intergovernmental forum. Earlier in 2006, GMG was established by expanding the membership of the Geneva Migration Group to include a number of United Nations agencies which are involved with issues relevant to development. Should the General Assembly decide to create such a forum, both groups could be actors in better information-gathering and -sharing. It would be useful if information could be centralized and made accessible in one database which would include information disaggregated on the basis of gender, age, region, etc. 59. In conclusion, the Special Rapporteur would suggest that the General Assembly carefully consider this issue and adopt the necessary measures to 14 06-51782