E/CN.4/2001/83 page 12 43. It has been recognized that migratory flows have an impact on social and political relations, not only within, but also between, countries of destination and transit. It should not be forgotten that migration is the result of a combination of factors. 44. The causes of migration may be divided into five key groups, which show that this is not a problem with a single cause. Social and economic exclusion, the pull exerted by the more developed countries, the need of these countries to rely on migration, intense armed conflicts and natural disasters are now shaping up as the basic causes of migration. 45. Migration is a result of the combination of the effects of economic factors, armed conflicts, economic contraction caused by structural adjustment and natural disasters, which always affect the most underprivileged and hence the most vulnerable populations sectors. In the light of this assessment, it should therefore be pointed out that migration is not always a voluntary process. Recent large-scale migratory flows that have taken place, often in precarious and fraudulent conditions, have created situations that make for violations of the human rights of migrants. Account must be taken of this situation, which is often overlooked or misrepresented. In order to understand this trend, it must be borne in mind that the economic factors giving rise to migration are rooted in the social exclusion of large numbers of nationals who have to emigrate in order to find decent jobs because they have no decent employment opportunities in their countries of origin. 46. Structural adjustment, neo-liberalism, economic conditions which benefit only a small number of nationals and social and economic inequality lead to migration as a means of seeking better opportunities. It cannot, however, be said that economic factors are the only cause of migration to find work. Such factors combine with social factors, armed conflicts and environmental factors which create inequality in access to education and social justice. All these factors come into play in a decision to leave. 47. As a result of the lack of specific information for potential migrants in countries of origin about migration rules in countries of destination, together with unemployment and problems with access to health care and education, the citizens of poor countries see emigration as the only solution. In the majority of cases, however, the decision to emigrate is not based on proper guidance and information and this is when the risk of undocumented migration, so-called irregular migration and the traffic in persons begins. 48. The Special Rapporteur wishes to draw particular attention to the positive characteristics of migration, which are often forgotten. It must, however, not be forgotten that migrants are people and that, as such, they have abilities, strengths and potential that need to be enhanced and developed on the basis of respect for their cultural identity, their religious beliefs and all the ways in which they express themselves as human beings and persons wishing to live in dignity. Migration is essential for many countries and the question of the rights of migrants and the situations which affect them can therefore not be regarded as a marginal issue. 49. Immigration is necessary and beneficial for countries that want it. It is thus only fair that migrants themselves should also benefit from this trade-off. Migrants contribute to the economic growth not only of the country which receives them, but also to that of their country of origin through the money they send to the family members they have left behind.