INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR UNIVERSAL RATIFICATION OF THE UN CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF ALL MIGRANT WORKERS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES

On July 1, 2003, the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families will finally enter into force.

There is abundant evidence that worldwide documented and undocumented migrant workers - including a growing number of women - are providing key contributions in such sectors as agriculture, construction, high tech and (domestic) services. They are, however, increasingly subject to racism, discrimination, abuse and violent attacks. We, therefore, welcome the entry into force of the Convention, although it took thirteen years to accomplish this.

Among the main obstacles for ratification - in particular in the privileged North - are fears of what this Convention will bring and a lack of political will to go for something different. Without efforts to share wealth more evenly, migration will only increase. Migration is a phenomenon, not a problem. In this matter, no short term and obvious solutions exist.

Therefore, following the example of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, we, the undersigned non-governmental organisations, call on all political leaders to embrace the potential migrants represent, to 'demythologise' migration, to address the negative myths and fears and to inform the voters about the benefits of a migration policy that includes respect and dignity for all migrants.

The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is not an open invitation for more migration but an instrument that provides a necessary universal basic standard to protect the human rights of both documented and undocumented migrant workers.

It demands that States to prevent and eradicate illegal migration - sending and receiving - and inform both migrants and citizens - including employers - about their rights and obligations. As migration is not a one-way ticket without possibility to return and without a future, the Convention looks at the obligations of both the sending and receiving country, throughout the full migration process.

All undersigned non-governmental organisations ask the 22 State Parties to the Migrants Right Convention to fulfil their obligations as required and to start implementing the Convention as soon as possible.

All other governments, including those that already signed and those that indicated their commitment to ratify it through active participation in its drafting and at the time of its adoption, are asked to reconsider their priorities and to ratify this 7th International Human Rights Instrument. Respect for the human rights of migrants should be an inherent part of every government's migration management policy.