A/71/285
21. The Special Rapporteur proposes a fundamental shift in the way that migration
is perceived and framed. Migration itself is a natural part of human existence; it is
not a crime, it is not a problem, and it has the potential to be a solution. According
to this conception, migration governance is not about closing off borders and
keeping people out, but about regulating mobility, that is, opening accessible,
regular, safe and affordable migration channels and promoting and celebrating
diversity. By governing migration instead of restricting it through the use of “pushbacks”, interception and detention, we move from a zero -tolerance attitude to one of
harm reduction, thereby undercutting the criminal organizations responsible for
migrant smuggling, addressing the security concerns of States and, ultimately,
reducing human suffering and saving lives.
22. Effectively regulating mobility requires States to develop a much more
complex view of why and how people move. States must adopt a whole -system
view of migration, taking into account all its aspects, including all benefits and
challenges in terms of economic growth, demographic changes, cultural diversity,
social integration, personal freedom and respect for the rule of law. A whole -ofgovernment approach is best.
23. States must also develop a long-term strategic vision of how they want their
mobility policies and practices to be, 10 to 30 years from now. Preparing such a
strategic vision with appropriate consultations in an inclusive and robust public
debate, with full recognition of their human rights obligations and respect for the
rule of law for all, will allow States to determine the steps needed to achieve their
goals, as well as with realistic timelines and the kind of public discourse needed to
convince their electorates. Such a vision will only be legitimate if it is placed within
a human rights-based framework that will empower all concerned, including all
migrants, to test the legality of mobility policies and practices.
24. Taking such a long-term strategic approach in developing the global compact
for accessible, regular, safe and affordable mobility policies and practices will place
States in a better position to respond to the significant demographic, economic,
social, political and cultural challenges that lie ahead.
B.
Developing the global compact for safe, regular and orderly mobility
25. All the human rights concerns discussed above are signs of stress within
global border management and migration systems. They are clear indications that
the status quo is simply not sustainable. Ignoring these warning signs and pouring
further resources into ineffective and paradoxical closure systems will lead to
further human suffering, as well as wasted resources and lost opportunities, owing
to a failure to take advantage of the rewards to be gained from regulated mobility.
26. The Special Rapporteur prefers the use of the term “mobility” over that of
“migration”. “Migration” has come to embody all the fears of uninformed public
opinion. “Mobility” is a more fluid term, usually associated with highly skilled
workers: expatriates are “mobile”, construction workers are “migrants”. Language
matters, and changing language is part of changing perceptions. Using the
expression “mobility” better encompasses the idea of allowing people to come and
go and return, depending on their labour opportunities and personal choices. It may
or may not mean settlement or integration.
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