E/CN.4/2001/83 page 16 whose numbers are increasing, are unprotected. This situation must be analysed in order to find a solution which will provide protection for a group of children born as a result of the abuse of domestic workers by their employers. 5. Broken families 65. Because of the circle formed by the need for decent jobs, the lack of opportunities in countries of origin and the dream of an economically buoyant, politically stable and highly developed country, women and men emigrate to find better jobs and opportunities, in what is originally an act of genuine necessity and high hopes. This is the environment for the separation of the family unit, the unit which creates and brings about emotional and social development. The separation of parents and children, with unaccompanied minors being sent away, is tangible evidence of migration. When strong families are separated for long periods of time, they break up. This kind of break-up has a negative impact on the elderly, adults, young people and children. A change of role takes place in individual behaviour and leads to loneliness, depression and, in many cases, cases of violence, including sexual violence. All this is the result of the lack of regularization of migration with a view to family reunification that is formally and fully governed by laws protecting the family as the group unit of society. 6. Racism, xenophobia and racial discrimination 66. Unfortunately, violence against migrants in the form of xenophobic and racist feelings is more and more in the news in Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. In this connection, the terms used to refer to certain groups play a very important role. 67. The term “illegal migrant”, which is widely used, gives rise in many societies to a negative reaction that may lead to violent incidents ending in serious violations of human rights. A detailed analysis of the causes of these situations of irregularity and of their consequences must therefore be carried out and consistent public information campaigns must be waged to prevent racist and xenophobic reactions against migrants. 68. Acts of discrimination at work are usually committed against the migrant population and abuses based on sex or race go unpunished in the majority of cases because of the undocumented status of many migrants. This situation does not place them in a position of equality with the nationals of the host State to exercise their right to complain of the abuses to which they are subjected. 69. The Special Rapporteur also wishes to draw the attention of States to acts of xenophobia and racist violence against the migrant population. The communications media sometimes offer a distorted view of the effects of migration. In some cases, migrants are blamed for shortcomings in the health, education and social security systems of host countries. These and other views have had the result that, in many regions, there have been violent reactions against the migrant population. These acts, which we have seen in various parts of the world, are beginning to repeat themselves and intensify the rejection of foreigners, as well as strong xenophobic, racist and discriminatory reactions.