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."
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