A/HRC/56/54
and bring new perspectives to political forums. When permitted, migrants frequently vote,
campaign, serve as elected officials and hold public office.17
23.
Migrants actively participate in civic life through community service, volunteering
and contributions to local development. Canada notes that migrants exhibit levels of civic
engagement similar to those of citizens, with 22 per cent reporting participation in volunteer
work.18
24.
Migrants often serve as bridges between host and origin countries, fostering
diplomatic ties and international collaboration. In post-conflict settings, migrants, in
particular women, act as catalysts for peacebuilding and reconstruction, leveraging skills and
experiences to revitalize political processes, restore infrastructure and promote social
cohesion. 19 Migrants’ exposure to varied political frameworks and ideologies in host
countries equips them with insights and practices that can influence political change and
development in their countries of origin.20
25.
Migrants promote intercultural dialogue and foster tolerance and understanding.
Diaspora communities aid migrant integration, offering cultural guidance, social support
networks and advocacy for migrant rights. Migrants often advocate for policy changes,
facilitate initiatives that benefit communities and participate in transnational networks,
shaping political and civic affairs in origin and host countries.
C.
Migrants’ economic contributions
26.
Migrants contribute to the economy in various ways, with higher labour force
participation rates than non-migrants. They form a key portion of the workforce, at 4.9 per
cent in 2019 and over 41 per cent in Arab States.21
27.
During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the essential role of migrant
workers became clear: they account for an average of 8 per cent of key workers globally,
including 17 per cent in high-income countries and up to 50 per cent in some cities.22 During
the pandemic, migrants made significant contributions across health-care and food systems
and the transportation and sanitation sectors, despite significant risks of exposure to
COVID-19.23 Argentina praised migrant health workers for their essential front-line roles
during the crisis.24
28.
Migrants can contribute to a country’s labour market flexibility, often filling critical
labour shortages, from highly skilled positions in sectors such as technology and health care
to essential roles in agriculture and the service industries. They often take on roles that are
difficult to fill, ensuring that crucial sectors remain productive. Canada reported that, from
2016 to 2021, immigration accounted for 79.9 per cent of the country’s labour force growth.25
29.
Migrant care and domestic workers, in particular women, are integral to the global
care workforce. This is expected to intensify as demand for care grows. In Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development countries, migrants are estimated to make up more
than 20 per cent of care workers.26
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
GE.24-07075
McAuliffe, Kitimbo and Khadria, “Reflections on migrants’ contributions”, pp. 169–172.
Submission by Canada.
See Refugees’ Roles in Resolving Displacement and Building Peace, Megan Bradley, James Milner
and Blair Peruniak, eds. (Georgetown University Press, 2019).
McAuliffe, Kitimbo and Khadria, “Reflections on migrants’ contributions”, p. 170.
International Labour Organization (ILO), ILO Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers:
Results and Methodology, 3rd ed. (Geneva, International Labour Office, 2021), p. 11.
ILO, World Employment and Social Outlook 2023: The Value of Essential Work (Geneva,
International Labour Office, 2023), p. 18.
See UN-Women, “Guidance note: addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women
migrant workers” (2020).
Submission by Argentina.
Submission by Canada.
See Research Handbook on Migration, Gender, and COVID-19, Marie McAuliffe and Céline Bauloz,
eds. (Cheltenham, Edward Elgar, 2024).
5