La Strada Documentation Center

Migrants in Europe as Development Actors. Between hope and vulnerability

Document number
2474
Date
2010
Title
Migrants in Europe as Development Actors. Between hope and vulnerability
Author/publisher
Eurostep, European Union
Availability
View/save PDF version of this document
Document type(s)
Research/Study/Analysis,
Keywords
Migrant rights; Migration management; Comprehensive approach to migration; Migration policy; Restrictive migration measures, Irregular Migration, Feminization of migration, Economic migration, Labour migration, Free movement, Undocumented migrants; Undocumented labour;
Summary
The European Union and the authorities of its member states have the responsibility to ensure respect for the human rights of migrants, not only within its own borders but also in countries with which there are agreements relating to migrants. An end should be put to any form of degrading treatment in the course of a repatriation procedure. European governments need to make all possible efforts to avoid and address migrant workers’ exploitation. They should combat racism and discrimination of migrants in employment, education and health. While undocumented migrants may not benefit from the same level of rights as those with documents, their basic rights to live in dignity and to have access to healthcare and education should be guaranteed. Any failure by Europe to implement its approach to migrants in accordance with its values as set out in the Treaty and legal obligations undermines its legitimacy. In part the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families by the European Union and its Member States would be a positive step in the right direction. So too would be their endorsement of the Revised European Social Charter with its provisions for migrant workers and their families.
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