The Irish and British Governments should ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (the Migrant Worker’s Convention). That is the message from the Joint Committee of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on International Day Against Racism, Sunday 21 March. To mark a national commitment to fighting the scourge of racism, the two Commissions urge both the Irish and British Governments to ensure that ratifications of international human rights standards are continuously updated to reflect new realities.
A significant number of ethnic minorities now live in both jurisdictions as migrant workers, without full citizenship, and are therefore vulnerable to exploitation. As Irish and UK employers actively recruit workers from other parts of the world, it is vital that such workers are accorded their rights and offered the highest standard of human rights protection possible.
While expressing serious concern at the restricted rights to social welfare and assistance being offered by both Governments to the citizens of EU accession states, the Commissions welcome their Governments’ commitment to respecting the right to work in Ireland and the UK. However, the Commissions also stress that it is equally vital that, come 1 May 2004, the rights of work permit holders from outside the EU are not overlooked.
Dr Maurice Manning, President of the Irish Human Rights Commission, said:
“The development of immigration policy in Ireland, the UK and throughout the European Union must be underpinned by a human rights approach. Safeguarding the rights of migrant workers and their families is an essential component of the development of humane immigration policy and law. Ratification of the UN Convention on the Protection of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families by our respective governments would contribute significantly to safeguarding the rights of migrant workers and their families as well as providing commendable leadership at EU level."
Professor Dickson, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, said:
"Many work permit holders are in a vulnerable situation. They may have made long-term plans in the UK and Ireland by having spouses and dependents join them here on the understanding that their permits will be renewed. Government must ensure that employers will honour their contracts and guarantee fair and safe working conditions for all. Governments need to send out a positive and unambiguous message about migration. By ratifying the Migrant Worker’s Convention the two Governments would be declaring that migrants and their families are an integral part of society and confirming their commitment to protecting the rights of all minorities within their borders."
Notes to Editors:
1. The call for ratification of the Migrant Worker’s Convention is being made through the Joint Committee of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the establishment of which was initiated by the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 1998 and by the Acts of Parliament which created the two Commissions. The Joint Committee meets every three months and comprises all members of both Commissions.
2. International Day Against Racism was established on 21 March 1966 following the massacre at Sharpeville of young students who were peacefully protesting against apartheid laws, adopted by the South African government.
3. The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families came into force in July 2003 and enshrines a range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The full text of the Convention can be viewed at www.unhchr.ch.
4. For further comments please contact Brice Dickson on 048 9024 3987 or 00 44 (0)7901 853005 or Mary Ruddy on 01 8589601 or 087 6407765
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