The need

According to the figures of the Global Commission on International Migration, there are approximately 200 million migrants in the world ; each one of those migrants, whether or not they are in possession of refugee or other legal status, and whether they crossed a border willingly or against their wishes, has rights; one of which is the right to know them. Questions of citizenship, immigration status and related rights and obligations are largely addressed by the laws and policies of individual states.

Since the end of World War II, however, a group of seven core human rights treaties have been developed, which together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights elaborate upon basic human rights regardless of national immigration considerations.

The most recent among them, the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, adds further protection specifically for migrant workers-even those in irregular status. In addition, the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and its 1967 Protocol, define the status and protection specifically relating to refugees fleeing persecution. Together, such agreements present international norms and standards against which to measure-and act upon-the laws, policies, processes and even funding commitments that States, regions and international bodies like the United Nations make with respect to refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants.

ICMC engages in advocacy in its own programmes as well as with ICMC members. With some 400 staff in over 30 countries, ICMC works with refugees, internally displaced people and migrants addressing a number of rights issues and needs. In addition, ICMC's worldwide network of 172 members is present in many places where migration is an important issue, providing ICMC with the opportunity to learn and pursue different migration issues that require regional or international attention. ICMC continues to serve and strengthen the connection between its members and the advocacy program.

ICMC engages in advocacy at three levels. At the level of the individual, programmes or members advocate for uprooted people on a case-by-case basis, particularly for exteremly vulnerable individuals and trafficking victims and in ICMC's programmes for return and local integration.

At a national level, ICMC programs work with government ministries and officials on the development of migration-related laws, policies and standards, often in a relationship of technical cooperation that includes training.

Finally, at an international level, ICMC's advocacy staff in Geneva participates in training programs and conferences, the development of research and information materials, and related direct advocacy in regional and international circles.

This support is complemented and augmented by the work that the advocacy staff do in partnership with other organizations, in particular the participation in decision-making processes by the UN, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other international organizations in Geneva; information sharing and presentations at international conferences and trainings throughout the world; professional research, publications and other information-sharing. ICMC offers to its programmes and members the distinct access and benefits of its consultative status on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), special list status at the ILO, and observer status to the International Organization of Migration.

Joining Operations and Advocacy

"Traditionally, civil society involvement in migration has been limited to humanitarian and operational assistance. NGOs provide assistance to refugees, returning migrants, victims of trafficking, etc. However, with the rising importance of policy making at the international level (...) some operational NGOs with a policy/advocacy wing) (such as the International Migration Commission (ICMC) ... have been most active in making a voice for themselves in policy circles."

Global Migration Perspectives No. 46, Sept. 2005

Longstanding collaboration on advocacy with other Catholic organizations, such as the Caritas network of organizations, the Jesuit Refugee Service and Franciscans International, and with a number of other non-government organizations engaged on migration issues, such as the Geneva-based International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), the regional European Council of Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) and the US-based organizations InterAction and Refugee Council USA, have been an important part of ICMC's advocacy activity.

Examples of current ICMC advocacy - ICMC International Advocacy, Geneva