Background

Pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 43/6, the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants is mandated “To examine ways and means to overcome the obstacles existing to the full and effective protection of the human rights of migrants, recognizing the particular vulnerability of women, children and those undocumented or in an irregular situation” and to “formulate appropriate recommendations to prevent and remedy violations of the human rights of migrants, wherever they may occur ». (paragraph 1 (a) (c), A/HRC/RES/43/6).

In carrying out his mandate, the Special Rapporteur has decided to dedicate his forthcoming report to the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly to the impact of COVID-19 on the human rights of migrants.

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the health, social and economic fabric of societies; and has also unveiled systemic inequalities and exposed the gaps in social and economic apparatus and national protection systems. Migrants and their families continue to be disproportionally affected by restrictive measures taken to counter the pandemic; and those in an irregular situation remain at the edge of our societies and pay the highest toll.

Through examining specific examples and emerging practices and challenges, the Special Rapporteur wishes to provide recommendations to States on how to better protect the human rights of migrants in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key questions and types of inputs sought

The Special Rapporteur has called on States to “ensure that measures taken in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic meet international human rights standards and that migrants are included in all aspects of national responses”. It is also incumbent on States to address the human rights of migrants in their recovery plans and to strengthen mechanisms for migrants’ meaningful participation.

Member States have adopted different strategies based on their contexts, capacities as well as political imperatives. Important achievements are observed but challenges remain.

In this regard, the Special Rapporteur would be grateful for submissions from Member States, civil society, NHRIs, academia and other stakeholders, in response to the questionnaire below.

Download the questionnaire (word): English | Français | Español