17/12/2024 Migration, International Protection and Economic Co-operation
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, dedicated to “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights”, the Chair of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced persons Oleksii Goncharenko (Ukraine, EC/DA) made the following statement:
"International Migrants Day gives me the opportunity to recall the significant role which migrants play in our societies.
Migrants are increasingly portrayed in election campaigns as scapegoats for the challenges states face in fulfilling their duties towards their populations. Yet their vital role in keeping our societies functioning still remains largely unrecognised. It must never be forgotten that migrants play a crucial part in the effective functioning of numerous sectors such as hospitals, services, agriculture, construction or culture. It is about time that we recognise the substantial contribution migrants make to the effective functioning of our societies.
Beyond honouring their input as full-fledged members of our societies, this Day also recalls the imperative to respect the rights of migrant workers and of their families, regardless of their status. As we mark the 14th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, too many migrants remain in a precarious situation, where both their fundamental and social rights are being violated. This is particularly the case of migrant workers employed in major structural and infrastructure works.
Let’s ensure that their basic human rights are honoured. This begins with protecting their freedom of association, tackling labour exploitation and trafficking and guaranteeing suitable working and living conditions, including access to decent housing and health care.
Respecting migrants’ rights also involves honouring their labour and social rights. On International Migrants Day, it is essential to reflect on the importance of our member states abiding by their obligation to protect anyone within their jurisdiction against slavery and forced labour, and of successfully enacting the revised European Social Charter.
This essential instrument prohibits forced labour and enhances the protection of and support for migrant workers and their families, ensuring that they receive equal treatment in areas like remuneration and work conditions. Let’s make this instrument a reality for these often invisible workers, ban forced or compulsory labour and provide migrant workers with safe and adequate working environments as well as effective access to their social rights."