UNHRC to focus on Lanka's migrant issue

by Dilrukshi Hadunnetti

With a number of serious challenges faced by Sri Lankan migrant workers, numbering close to two million, the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, François Crépeau, is to present his annual report and brief the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in mid June.

Crepeau who is to present his annual report to the UNHRC during its 29th session, held from June 13- July 3 in Geneva, is scheduled to present a briefing on his mission to Sri Lanka.

Crepeau, a Professor at the Faculty of Law of McGill University, Montréal, told the Sunday Observer that his mission had led to the identification of key issues faced by Sri Lankan migrants, including the substitution of contracts, corruption among recruitment agencies, inadequate safety mechanisms, prohibition of young mothers from making an economic choice to migrate for work and socio-political compulsions that compelled persons from the Tamil minority community to migrate, sometimes risking their lives on unauthorized boat rides.

"There are several problems that need to be addressed through co-operation with destination States. The government must take measures and win the support of destination countries to address safety and labour rights of Sri Lankans, making the entire migration process a safe one,' Crepeau said.

He also said that unauthorized migration should not be treated as a crime but a violation of the law. "To criminalize something is an extreme measure. Most people risk themselves to reach some other country when that appears to be the only economic option to support families. If not, it is to seek personal safety, both of which should be addressed with better understanding," he added.

He noted, administrative law violations carry different penalties as opposed to criminal liability. "When people are criminalized in this manner, it immediately changes the public perception and sends message to society that they are a threat to society, property and national security," he said, adding that it should not be forgotten that undocumented migrant workers are the world's most exploited, "specially due to their irregular status."