A/58/275
V. Conclusions and recommendations
74. The economic contribution made by migrants to both countries of origin
and of destination is widely recognized. Remittances sent to countries of origin
represent a valuable and positive component of migration, particularly if they
are utilized to develop local capacities in communities of origin. With the
feminization of migration, many more women are leaving their homes to work
abroad and represent the main source of income for their households.
Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur observes that economic benefits often
overshadow the valuable social and cultural contributions of migrants. As
experts concur that migration flows will grow at a rapid pace in the coming
years, it is essential to place emphasis at the national and international levels
on the human face of migration, taking a human rights-based approach to the
phenomenon.
75. The Special Rapporteur believes that migration must not be considered
only as a matter concerning national security. The involvement of the
ministries of foreign affairs, health, education, social welfare and labour, as
well as civil society, in the development of national migration policies and plans
is necessary in order to ensure the protection of the human rights and dignity
of migrants.
76. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that increased international
cooperation and dialogue for the development of human rights-informed
migration policies and comprehensive, coordinated and harmonized systems of
migration management are necessary to combat irregular migration,
smuggling, trafficking and violations of the human rights of migrants. Such
policies and systems have to take into account numerous overlapping,
interconnected policy areas such as human rights, demography, trade practices,
employment policies, security-related issues and development cooperation.
Tackling only one or some of the aspects of the migration phenomenon without
taking into account its present complex nature can represent a threat to the
human rights and dignity of migrants, as well as to the integrity of the asylum
regime. For this reason, it is essential that different governmental ministries
and departments, civil society, national human rights institutions and
international organizations all participate in efforts to address the challenges
posed by contemporary migration in all its dimensions.
77. The Special Rapporteur was encouraged by the words of the General
Director of IOM in his address to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftyninth session. The suggestion that cooperation between IOM and OHCHR
should be strengthened is welcome. Strengthened cooperation between relevant
international organizations, with the growing involvement of OHCHR, is the
best way to ensure that human rights will be mainstreamed into the work of the
international community in the field of migration. This would include
cooperation in policy development, training and capacity-building, among
other areas. The Special Rapporteur also notes the importance in many regions
of the world of ILO programmes on labour migration, migrant women, gender
equity and the prevention of trafficking and encourages greater cooperation
between her mandate, OHCHR and ILO. The Special Rapporteur is also
encouraged by the interest taken by the Secretary-General in the issue of
migration.
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