Global Governance of Migration

Labour migration feeds the global economy. There are around 232 million international migrants in the world today. At least 50 per cent are economically active. Around 50 per cent are women. Migration affects every region of the world, with many countries now simultaneously countries of origin, destination and transit. Vast numbers of people are on the move, not because they want to be, but because they feel they have no alternative. There are no jobs at home, no future, no life chances for them or their families. Or conflict may be raging in their countries. Many are prepared to risk it all, in search of any opportunity for a better life.

At the same time we have a near total collapse of the global governance of migration: the application of the rights-based body of international laws and standards that are supposed to govern the movement of people.

The importance of the application of a rights-based framework governing regular migration, refugees and asylum seekers, including the right to work without discrimination, is more urgent than ever.