UNRIC Library Backgrounder: Migration

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UN Entities

• United Nations Network on Migration: http://migrationnetwork.un.org/

• United Nations Population Division – International Migration:
  https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/international-migration-1
• Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW): https://www.ohchr.org/en/treaty-bodies/cmw
• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – Migration and Human Rights: https://www.ohchr.org/en/migration
• Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-migrants
• Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in persons, especially in women and children: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-trafficking-in-persons
• Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Asylum and Migration: https://www.unhcr.org/what-we-do/protect-human-rights/asylum-and-migration
• International Labour Organisation (ILO) – Labour Migration: https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/lang–en/index.htm
  • IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre: https://gmdac.iom.int/
• International Organization for Migration (IOM): http://www.iom.int
• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – Migrant and displaced children: https://www.unicef.org/migrant-refugee-internally-displaced-children
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – Migration and inclusive societies: https://www.unesco.org/en/no-racism-no-discrimination/migration
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Human trafficking and migrant smuggling: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/index.html
• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – Migration: http://www.unfpa.org/migration
• United Nations University – UNU Migration Network: http://migration.unu.edu/
• World Bank – Migration and Remittances and Diaspora: http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/migrationremittancesdiasporaissues

Further information

• Global Forum on Migration and Development: http://www.gfmd.org/
• Migration for Development – EC-UN Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JMDI): http://www.migration4development.org/

Conferences and Observances

• International Migrants Day, 18 December:
  https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day
  https://www.iom.int/migrantsday
• World Day against Trafficking in Persons, 30 July:
  https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-human-trafficking-day
  https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/endht/index.html
• International Migration Review Forum, 17-20 May 2022: https://www.un.org/en/migration2022/
• Informal meeting of the plenary to hear a briefing on the report of the Secretary-General on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, 16 February 2022: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1g249fiap
• Migration Week, 14-18 February 2022: https://migrationnetwork.un.org/migration-week
• High-Level Debate on International Migration and Development, 27 February 2019: https://www.un.org/pga/73/event/high-level-debate-on-international-migration-and-development/
• Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Morocco, 10-11 December 2018): https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/intergovernmental-conference-2018
• High-Level Meeting on the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants: One Year On – 20 September 2017: http://refugeesmigrants.un.org/high-level-meeting-new-york-declaration-refugees-and-migrants-one-year
• Summit for Refugees and Migrants – 19 September 2016:
  http://refugeesmigrants.un.org/summit-refugees-and-migrants-19-september-2016
  • INTERVIEW: UN senior adviser discusses blueprint to strengthen global responses for refugees and migrants (UN News Centre, 9 August 2016): https://news.un.org/en/story/2016/08/536322-interview-un-senior-adviser-discusses-blueprint-strengthen-global-responses
• High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development (3-4 October 2013):
  http://www.un.org/en/ga/68/meetings/migration/
• General Assembly Informal Thematic Debate on International Migration and Development (19 May 2011): https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/events/informal-thematic-debate-international-migration-and-development
• High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development (14-15 September 2006): http://www.un.org/migration/
• International Symposium on International Migration and Development (Turin, Italy, 28-30 June 2006): https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/events/international-symposium-international-migration-and-development

UN Treaties and Declarations

• International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families: https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-convention-protection-rights-all-migrant-workers
• Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime: https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/protocol-against-smuggling-migrants-land-sea-and-air

Selected UN Documents

• UN documents on the Intergovernmental Conference to adopt a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (2018, Morocco): https://bit.ly/37iYXEv
• A/HRC/58/50 (8 January 2025): Towards a just approach to the global housing crisis and migrants : report of the Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing as a Component of the Right to an Adequate Standard of Living, and on the Right to Non-Discrimination in This Context, Balakrishnan Rajagopal: http://docs.un.org/A/HRC/58/50
• A/79/590 (14 November 2024): Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: report of the Secretary-General: https://docs.un.org/A/79/590
  “Annex: Recommendations for Member States on strengthening cooperation on missing migrants and providing humanitarian assistance to migrants in distress with the aim of preventing loss of life in transit:” p. 23-25.
• A/HRC/RES/57/14: Human rights of migrants: resolution / adopted by the Human Rights Council on 10 October 2024: http://docs.un.org/A/HRC/RES/57/14
  • Previous resolutions: https://tinyurl.com/y5pv4ham
• A/79/323 (26 August 2024): International migration and development: report of the Secretary-General: https://docs.un.org/A/79/323
  • Previous resolutions: https://bit.ly/3rQfEAy
• A/HRC/57/32 (16 June 2024): Intersessional panel discussion on the human rights of migrants: prevention and accountability for human rights violations in transit: report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/57/32
  Held on 15 May 2024 pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 53/24.
• A/HRC/56/54 (1 May 2024): Revisiting migrants’ contributions with a human rights-based approach: a discussion on facilitating and hindering factors: report of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, Gehad Madi: https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/56/54
  Submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/172 and Human Rights Council resolution 52/20.
• A/RES/78/217: Protection of Migrants: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly on 19 December 2023: https://docs.un.org/A/RES/78/217
  • Previous resolutions: https://tinyurl.com/bdhdsyba
• A/RES/78/180: Violence against women migrant workers: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly on 19 December 2023: https://docs.un.org/A/RES/78/180
  • Previous resolutions: https://tinyurl.com/4utuwz8u
• S/2023/868 (13 November 2023): Letter dated 9 November 2023 from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council: https://undocs.org/S/2023/868
  Transmits Chair’s summary of the Arria-formula meeting on “Migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers crossing borders on land and at sea : new wave of crisis”, held on 13 July 2023.
• A/78/292 (7 August 2023): Violence against women migrant workers: report of the Secretary-General: https://docs.un.org/A/78/292
  Submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/141; covers the period from July 2021-June 2023.
  • Previous reports: https://tinyurl.com/4yz6yd7w
• A/HRC/52/35 (2 February 2023): Cultural rights and migration: report of the Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights: https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/52/35
• A/77/236 (27 July 2022): International migration and development: report of the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/A/77/236
  • Previous reports: https://bit.ly/3fuitm5
• A/76/642 (27 December 2021): Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration : report of the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/A/76/642
  Submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 73/195.
• A/RES/76/141: Violence against women migrant workers: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly on 16 December 2021: https://docs.un.org/A/RES/76/141
  • Previous resolutions: https://tinyurl.com/4utuwz8u
• A/76/257 (30 July 2021): Human rights of migrants: note / by the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/A/76/257
  Transmits report of the Special Rapporteur, Felipe González Morales, submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 74/148 and Human Rights Council resolution 43/6.
  Contains: One and a half years after : the impact of COVID-19 on the human rights of migrants
  Notes: Reviews the impact that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had on the human rights of migrants, who have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic, in particular those who are undocumented or in an irregular situation, and how it has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities.
• A/HRC/47/30 (12 May 2021): Report on means to address the human rights impact of pushbacks of migrants on land and at sea: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Felipe González Morales: https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/47/30
• A/75/542 (26 October 2020): Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: Report of the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/A/75/542
• ST/ESA/SER.A/441 (2000) SDG indicator 10.7.2: number of countries with migration policies to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people: data booklet: https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3908036?ln=en
• A/HRC/EMRIP/2019/2/Rev.1 (18 September 2019): Indigenous peoples’ rights in the context of borders, migration and displacement: Study of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous People: https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/EMRIP/2019/2/Rev.1
• A/HRC/41/38 (15 April 2019): The impact of migration on migrant women and girls: a gender perspective Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants: https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/41/38
• A/RES/73/195: Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: resolution / adopted by the General Assembly on 19 December 2018: http://docs.un.org/A/RES/73/195
  “Annex: Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration” p. 2-36
• /CONF.231/3 (30 July 2018): Draft outcome document of the Conference : Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration : note / by the President of the General Assembly: http://docs.un.org/A/CONF.231/3
  Annex: Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration”: p. 2-31.
• A/72/643 (12 December 2017): Making migration work for all: Report of the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/A/72/643
• A/71/728 (3 February 2017): Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Migration: http://docs.un.org/A/71/728
• A/HRC/34/31 (26 January 2017): Principles and practical guidance on the protection of the human rights of migrants in vulnerable situations: report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: http://docs.un.org/A/HRC/34/31
  Submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 32/14. Includes glossary (p. 13-15).
• A/RES/71/1: New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants: Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 19 September 2016: http://docs.un.org/A/RES/71/1
• A/RES/70/296 (25 July 2016): Agreement concerning the Relationship between the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration: http://docs.un.org/A/RES/70/296
• A/70/59 (21 April 2016): In safety and dignity: addressing large movements of refugees and migrants: Report of the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/A/70/59
  Submitted pursuant to General Assembly decision 70/539; provides background and recommendations in preparation for the High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants, to be held on 19 Sep. 2016.
• A/69/302 (11 August 2014): Human rights of migrants : note / by the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/A/69/302
  Transmits report of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, François Crépeau, submitted in accordance with General Assembly resolution 68/179.
• A/69/277 (7 August 2014): Promotion and protection of human rights, including ways and means to promote the human rights of migrants : report of the Secretary-General:
  http://docs.un.org/A/69/277
• A/HRC/23/46 (24 April 2013): Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, François Crépeau : regional study : management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants: http://docs.un.org/A/HRC/23/46
• A/65/156 (21 July 2010): Promotion and protection of human rights, including ways and means to promote the human rights of migrants: Report of the Secretary-General:
  http://docs.un.org/A/65/156
• A/HRC/15/29 (5 July 2010): Study of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on challenges and best practices in the implementation of the international framework for the protection of the rights of the child in the context of migration: http://docs.un.org/A/HRC/15/29
• E/CN.9/2008/3/Corr.1 (13 February 2008): World population monitoring, focusing on population distribution, urbanization, internal migration and development : report of the Secretary-General: corrigendum: http://docs.un.org/E/CN.9/2008/3/Corr.1
• E/CN.9/2008/4 (17 January 2008): Monitoring of population programmes focusing on population distribution, urbanization, internal migration and development : report of the Secretary-General: http://docs.un.org/E/CN.9/2008/3

Selected Statements and Speeches of UN Officials

• Secretary-General, in International Migrants Day Message, urges humane, orderly management of migration to secure safer, more prosperous future for all (SG/SM/22084, 14 December 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sgsm22084.doc.htm
• ‘There is no migration crisis’, only crisis of solidarity, Secretary-General says on International Day, acknowledging 51,000 migrants who died seeking better life (SG/SM/21629, 13 December 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21629.doc.htm
• We must do more to break stranglehold of smugglers, better protect vulnerable migrants, Secretary-General tells International Migration Review Forum (SG/SM/21286, 19 May 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21286.doc.htm
• Deaths of migrants seeking better life ‘a collective shame’, Secretary-General says at Briefing on Global Compact for Migration Report (SG/SM/21144, 16 February 2022): https://press.un.org/en/2022/sgsm21144.doc.htm
• Amid Pandemic-related challenges, closed borders, more humane approach to migration needed more than ever, Secretary-General says in International Observance Message (SG/SM/21081, 14 December 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm21081.doc.htm
• Foster global solidarity towards migrants, Secretary-General stresses, in Message marking Seventieth Anniversary of International Organization for Migration (SG/SM/21050, 29 November 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm21050.doc.htm
• Including migrants in vaccine distribution plans critical to health, safety of all, Secretary-General says, marking Family Remittances Day (SG/SM/20774, 11 June 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20774.doc.htm
• Deeply saddened by death of William Swing, Secretary-General hails former International Organization for Migration Director as ‘true humanist’ (SG/SM/20775, 12 June 2021): https://press.un.org/en/2021/sgsm20775.doc.htm
• Global Compact on Migration crucial for recovery from COVID-19, Secretary-General says at launch of report, stressing human diversity ‘an asset, not a threat’ (SG/SM/20459, 1 December 2020): https://press.un.org/en/2020/sgsm20459.doc.htm
• Migrants, integral to crisis response, must be included in Pandemic recovery, Secretary-General says, marking International Day (SG/SM/20507, 17 December 2020): https://press.un.org/en/2020/sgsm20507.doc.htm
• Inclusive public health, socioeconomic response to COVID-19 crisis key for protecting millions of refugees, migrants, Secretary-General says in video message (SG/SM/20104, 3 June 2020): https://press.un.org/en/2020/sgsm20104.doc.htm
• Bring Global Compact to life, Secretary-General urges leaders, people everywhere, in message for International Migrants Day (SG/SM/19912-DEV/3433-OBV/1948, 12 December 2019): https://press.un.org/en/2019/sgsm19912.doc.htm
• Conditions for ‘Hope to flourish at home’ must be supported, says Deputy Secretary-General, at launch of UNDP Irregular African Migration Report (DSG/SM/1374-DEV/3429,
  25 November 2019): https://press.un.org/en/2019/dsgsm1374.doc.htm
• Stressing migrants put back 85 per cent of earnings into host countries’ economies, Deputy Secretary-General calls for robust contributions at Migration Fund Launch (DSG/SM/1310-DEV/3407, 16 July 2019): https://press.un.org/en/2019/dsgsm1310.doc.htm
• Secretary-General welcomes Euro-African Forum’s Focus on benefits of migration in transforming shared future (SG/SM/19655, 4 July 2019): https://press.un.org/en/2019/sgsm19655.doc.htm
• Migrants’ contributions vital to advancing Sustainable Development Goals, Secretary-General stresses in Message for Day of Family Remittances (SG/SM/19623-OBV/1890, 16 June 2019): https://press.un.org/en/2019/sgsm19623.doc.htm
• Secretary-General urges greater cooperation to crack down on human trafficking, save lives, in Video Message for Migration Conference (SG/SM/19464-DEV/3385, 19 February 2019): https://press.un.org/en/2019/sgsm19464.doc.htm
• Welcoming Global Compact for Migration, Secretary says leadership will be crucial in bringing agreement to life, avoiding myths (SG/SM/19416-GA/12114-DEV/3384, 19 December 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19416.doc.htm
• Migration a powerful driver of economic growth, dynamism that must work for all, Secretary-General Says in Message for International Day (SG/SM/19407-DEV/3380-OBV/1853, 14 December 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19407.doc.htm
• Developed countries need migrants in vital roles, Secretary-General stresses, dispelling falsehoods, myths about Global Compact (SG/SM/19401-DEV/3376, 10 December 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19401.doc.htm
• Breathe life into agreed Global Compact for Migration, Secretary-General urges on eve of Intergovernmental Conference, announcing new network (SG/SM/19400-DEV/3374, 9 December 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19400.doc.htm
• Adoption of Global Compact will be landmark moment, Secretary-General tells International Metropolis Conference on Global Migration in turbulent times (SG/SM/19324-DEV/3368, 29 October 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19324.doc.htm
• Secretary-General, at Migration Event, urges greater cooperation, well-advised policies to protect, assist people on the move (SG/SM/19249-DEV/3359, 26 September 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19249.doc.htm
• Migration requires cooperation among governments, Secretary-General says, welcoming agreement on text of Global Compact as ‘shared understanding’ (SG/SM/19134-DEV/3346, 13 July 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19134.doc.htm
• Global Compact shows potential of multilateralism, Deputy Secretary-General says, calling collective response to migration ‘woefully inadequate’ (DSG/SM/1196-DEV/3345, 13 July 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/dsgsm1196.doc.htm
• Secretary-General says refugees, migrants should be treated with dignity (SG/SM/19094-REF/1259, 18 June 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19094.doc.htm
• Implementation will be ultimate proof of success, Deputy Secretary-General tells delegates in talks on Global Compact for Migration (DSG/SM/1183-DEV/3338, 7 June 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/dsgsm1183.doc.htm
• In Message for Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum, Refugees, Secretary-General says global compacts can better lives of millions (SG/SM/19050-REF/1258, 23 May 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm19050.doc.htm
• Deputy Secretary-General, opening Population and Development Commission, calls for tolerant migration policies, stresses ‘human story is a mobile one’ (DSG/SM/1155-POP/1073, 9 April 2018): https://press.un.org/en/2018/dsgsm1155.doc.htm
• Amid crisis of solidarity, Deputy Secretary-General urges faith-based groups to use ‘your moral voice’ in support of dignity for refugees, migrants (DSG/SM/1123-REF/1255, 22 January 2018): http://press.un.org/en/2018/dsgsm1123.doc.htm
• Amid serious global setbacks, Secretary-General urges action on climate, migration, regional conflicts, women’s empowerment, in remarks to General Assembly (SG/SM/18855-GA/11999, 16 January 2018): http://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm18855.doc.htm
• Migration ‘positive global phenomenon’ that powers economic growth, reduces inequalities, says Secretary-General at report launch (SG/SM/18852-DEV/3308, 11 January 2018): http://press.un.org/en/2018/sgsm18852.doc.htm

Research & Documentation

• Migration Data Portal: https://migrationdataportal.org/
• ILO Good practices database – Labour migration policies and programmes: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/migpractice/migmain.home
• Migration Network Hub: https://migrationnetwork.un.org/hub
• Missing Migrants Project: https://missingmigrants.iom.int/
• UN Library Vienna – Research Guide – Human trafficking and migrant smuggling: https://libraryresearch.unvienna.org/humantrafficking

Selection of Publications available online

• OHCHR Publications on Migration: https://www.ohchr.org/en/migration
• IOM Publications: https://publications.iom.int/
• World Migration Reports: https://worldmigrationreport.iom.int/
• DESA Publications on International Migration: https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/kb-grid
• ILO Publications on Labour Migration: https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/labour-migration#publications
• UNICEF Publications on Refugee and migrant children: https://www.unicef.org/reports
• UNFPA Publications on Migration: https://www.unfpa.org/publications
• UNODC Publications on human trafficking and migrant smuggling: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/publications.html
• Temporary labour migration: Towards social justice? (ILO, 2025): https://doi.org/10.54394/TGOF6029
• International Migration and Sustainable Development (UN DESA, 2024): https://bit.ly/Megatrends3-international_migration
• Who Are Climate Migrants? A Global Analysis of the Profiles of Communities Affected by Weather-related Internal Displacements (IOM, 2024): https://publications.iom.int/books/who-are-climate-migrants-global-analysis-profiles-communities
• Protecting women human rights defenders in migration contexts: policy brief (UN Women, 2023): https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4016255
• Harnessing Data Innovation for Migration Policy: A Handbook for Practitioners (IOM, 2023): https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4012987
• Why safe, orderly and regular migration matters for sustainable development (UN DESA Policy Brief No. 146, January 2023): https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/un-desa-policy-brief-no-146-why-safe-orderly-and-regular-migration-matters-for-sustainable-development/
• Migration Trends and Families (UN DESA Policy Brief No. 133, May 2022): https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/un-desa-policy-brief-no-133-migration-trends-and-families/
• Policy Brief: COVID-19 and People on the Move (June 2020): https://unsdg.un.org/resources/policy-brief-covid-19-and-people-move
• Scaling Fences: Voices of Irregular African Migrants to Europe (UNDP, 2019): https://scalingfences.undp.org/
• Africa Renewal, December 2018 – March 2019: “Migration: Making it safe and orderly”:
  https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/issue/december-2018-march-2019https://bit.ly/2T80pka
• Groundswell: Preparing for Internal Climate Migration (World Bank, March 2018): https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/29461
• UN Chronicle, Vol. L, No. 3, September 2013: “Migration”: https://www.un.org/en/issue/409
• Focus 2006 Treaty Event: Crossing Borders: http://treaties.un.org/doc/source/events/2006/book_english.pdf
• Replacement Migration: Is It a Solution to Declining and Ageing Populations? (UN/DESA, March 2000): https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/unpd-egm_200010_un_2001_replacementmigration.pdf