A/76/257 programmes and the lifting of restrictive measures. Governments have been offered an opportunity to address existing gaps and define long-term measures, ensuring that recovery plans and efforts include fully migrants, promoting their effective participation and contribution. 84. Several countries have recognized the contribution of migrants and have implemented regularization processes, extended visas and work and residence permits and relaxed administrative procedures for migrants facing grim employment and social prospects. Some States have suspended deportations and improved conditions of reception centres. These positive steps call for coherent and fair long-term policies in support to the recovery from the pandemic. 85. A significant number of States have facilitated access to health services for migrants during the pandemic, regardless of their migration status, and have taken action to mitigate health risks in line with international standards and relevant guidance. In those countries, migrants have been integrated into national COVID-19 response and recovery plans, including vaccination plans. 86. While the pandemic has highlighted the relevant role of migrants and the need to strengthen equality, it has also provided a pretext for new episodes of xenophobia, racism and discrimination, including on social media. The implementation and monitoring of measures to combat xenophobia and discrimination remains key. Many States, civil society organizations and migrants themselves have developed remarkable initiatives and campaigns for advice and addressing complaints. 87. A number of States continue to work and consult with civil society organizations, national human rights institutions, employers’ and workers organizations and United Nations and humanitarian partners to ensure migrants’ rights are protected in reception and detention centres, health centres, workplaces and camps, common accommodations and dormitories. Stakeholders have been essential in providing health-care assistance, information and counselling, including in cases where institutional reach has been more difficult. The fact that many States have limited resources has raised concerns for the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines and has brought about a call for international cooperation to ensure immediate and equal access to COVID-19 vaccines for all sectors of the population, without discrimination of any kind, including migrants. VII. Recommendations 88. The Special Rapporteur acknowledges the efforts made by States and other stakeholders to promote and protect the human rights of migrants while managing the global health emergency and responding to its socioeconomic impact. He stands ready to provide advice and assist States and stakeholders through the COVID-19 response and recovery phase to ensure the full integration of migrants in all relevant efforts and plans. 89. More specifically, the Special Rapporteur urges States: (a) To conduct independent and regular reviews of the restrictions adopted within the framework of the emergency measures, ensuring that they are consistent with international human rights law and principles and that they are non-discriminatory, necessary and proportionate; and to hold regular consultations with concerned migrants and communities and relevant stakeholders to assess the impact of emergency measures; 20/22 21-10577

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