End criminalization of undocumented migrants, UN envoy urges – National | 24CA News
Migrant rights teams in Canada are urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to implement the ideas of a United Nations Special Rapporteur, who this week mentioned nations ought to create regularization packages (pathways to everlasting residency) for undocumented migrants.
“Regularization is a tool of protection and inclusion that benefits migrants, their families, destination countries and communities,” Felipe González Morales, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, instructed the Human Rights Council. “States must provide options for permanent residence, citizenship and meaningful participation of migrants in host societies.”
He urged governments internationally to “end the criminalization” of undocumented migrants.
The Migrant Rights Network, a migrant-led advocacy coalition primarily based in Canada, welcomed the decision.
“For decades now, undocumented migrants and their organizations have called for regularization as the single-most effective policy program to ensure rights and justice for undocumented migrants. Over 500 civil society organizations have joined us, now the United Nations is adding their voice; what more will it take for Prime Minister Trudeau to do the right thing?” requested Syed Hussan, Migrant Rights Network Secretariat.
“We call on Prime Minister Trudeau to ensure permanent resident status for all undocumented people, migrant workers, students and families without delay.”
González Morales, in a report launched on the finish of his tenure, famous that undocumented migrants are topic to discrimination, abuse and exploitation as a direct results of the dearth of standard migration standing. Regularization, he mentioned, would enhance their entry to social safety, well being care, respectable work, schooling, satisfactory dwelling circumstances and household reunification.
Undocumented immigrants in Canada are usually individuals who arrived on short-term authorization corresponding to a piece or refugee claimant allow. Once the allow runs out, ought to the individual resolve to remain in Canada, they primarily turn into undocumented. An undocumented individual loses entry to many primary companies.
“Regularization processes must be accompanied by anti-discrimination policies to ensure the full enjoyment of their human rights,” González Morales mentioned.
“I urge governments to end the criminalization of irregular migrants and promote solidarity and change the narrative on migration and combat xenophobia, racism and discrimination,” he mentioned.
The Migrant Rights Network estimated that as of October 2022, there have been round 500,000 non-status individuals at present residing in Canada, lots of whom reside underneath very precarious circumstances.
“Without permanent resident status, undocumented people are unable to assert rights at work or access basic health care. They face discrimination and exploitation because of the well-founded fear of deportation. Non-status people are part of communities,” a report by the group learn.
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