OHCHR and migration

About migration and human rights

An estimated 281 million people, approximately 3.6% of the world’s population, currently live outside their country of origin, many of whose migration is characterized by varying degrees of compulsion. An increasing number of migrants are forced to leave their homes for a complex combination of reasons. Human rights violations against migrants can include a denial of civil and political rights such as arbitrary detention, torture, or a lack of due process, as well as economic, social and cultural rights such as the rights to health, housing or education. The denial of migrants’ rights is often closely linked to discriminatory laws and to deep-seated attitudes of prejudice or xenophobia. Read more about migration and human rights.

OHCHR’s work on migration and human rights

OHCHR works to promote, protect and fulfill the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status, with a particular focus on migrants in vulnerable situations and at most risk of human rights violations. OHCHR promotes a human rights-based approach to migration, which places the migrant at the center of migration policies and governance, and seeks to ensure that migrants are included in all relevant national action plans and strategies, such as plans on the provision of public housing or national strategies to combat racism and xenophobia.

Key documents

Principles and guidelines on the human rights protection of migrants in vulnerable situations
The principles and guidelines focus on the human rights situation of those migrants who may not qualify as refugees, yet who are in vulnerable situations and thus in need of the protection of the international human rights framework (A/HRC/33/67).

Recommended principles and guidelines on human rights at international borders
States are entitled to exercise jurisdiction at their international borders, but they must do so in light of their human rights obligations. This intended to inform the work of States, international organizations and other stakeholders with an interest in human rights-based border governance.

Latest reports

A/HRC/54/81: Report on the human rights of migrants

The present report is submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/172 on the protection of migrants. In paragraph 22 of the resolution, the Secretary-General was requested to submit to the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council a comprehensive report entitled “Human rights of migrants”, covering all aspects of the implementation of the resolution.

Advancing a rights-based approach to climate change resilience and migration in the Sahel

In the Sahel region of Africa, as in many other places around the world, climate change is adversely affecting the enjoyment of a broad range of human rights. Individuals and communities in the region are confronted with threats to their livelihoods from degraded lands and declining agricultural production, to their homes and health from ever more frequent floods and other impacts, and to their lives and security from growing conflicts, including over natural resources.

Nowhere but back: Assisted return, reintegration and the human rights protection of migrants in Libya

This report sheds light on gaps in the human rights protection of migrants who are assisted to return from Libya to their countries of origin. While such returns are in principle “voluntary”, the report finds that many migrants in Libya are unable to make a truly voluntary decision to return in accordance with international human rights law and standards, including the principle of free, prior and informed consent.

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Latest publications

Human Rights at International Borders: A Trainer’s Guide

International borders can be dangerous places for migrants, particularly for migrants in vulnerable situations. This capacity-building tool seeks to support States and particularly border officials in adopting a human rights-based and gender-responsive approach to border governance.

Migration, Human Rights and Governance: Handbook for Parliamentarians

This Handbook proposes a balanced approach to making effective laws and policies that address the human rights of migrants and the governance of migration. It aims to enable parliamentarians to help ensure that migration takes place in ways that are fair, mutually beneficial and respectful of human rights.

Behind Closed Doors: Protecting and Promoting the Human Rights of Migrant Domestic Workers in an Irregular Situation

This publication sheds light on the often hidden experience of irregular migrant domestic workers, and challenges Governments to take appropriate protective measures.

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Latest resources

Toolbox: Toolbox on migration narrative change (2020)

This toolbox is for people working on migration-related issues, but ultimately, for everyone who wants to see a change and play a role in countering harmful narratives.

COVID-19 and the Human Rights of Migrants: Guidance

The current public health crisis caused by COVID-19 disproportionately affects people and communities who are already in vulnerable and marginalised situations.

Seven key elements on building human rights based narratives on migrants and migration (2020)

These key elements aim to support States and all stakeholders to building human rights-based migration narratives.

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