Agenda Item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

ID with the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants

Statement by: International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD)

26 June 2019

Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, which focuses on the impact of migration on migrant women and girls through a gender perspective.

Today, more female migrants are migrating independently for work, for education and as head of households. But it is with deep regret that we note that female migrants may still face stronger discrimination in their host country, and can experience double discrimination as both migrants and as women, in comparison to male migrants.

Violence against women migrant workers and trafficking, continues to play a major role in migration. They are part of the broader scope of violence, as well as the gendered norms that drive it. Such norms impact the migration opportunities available to women, restricting their ability to access regular migration into skilled, safe and well-paid employment.

Madam Vice-President,

Although the gender stereotypes and expectations also shape the migration experience of men and boys, we must focus on female migrants, considering they are most likely to be ‘left behind’ in progress towards the 2030 Agenda.

In conclusion, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice recommend member states to ensure that opportunities to promote safe and regular migration, consider gender factors and do not reinforce disadvantage due to a bias towards traditionally male employment sectors; and implement an adequate special prosecution unit for all perpetrators human rights abuses against migrant women and girls.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Justice, Human rights, Geneva, geneva4justice, GICJ, Geneva International Centre For Justice