Side Event HRC 60: Human Rights Monitoring in the Context of Migration

Across the world, migrants are exposed to violations of their human rights during their journey, at international borders, in countries of destination, and upon return. These violations include unlawful profiling, gender-based violence, and arbitrary detention. Abuses are also fueled by the spread of negative narratives, misinformation and disinformation. In response, in its resolution 57/14  on the human rights of migrants, the Human Rights Council requested the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to prepare a study on human rights monitoring in this context.

The Geneva Office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung co-sponsored this side-event to launch the study (A/HRC/60/57) organized by the OHCHR and the Quakers United Nations Office. Panelists jointly reflected on existing challenges and opportunities to enhance monitoring migrants’ human rights at the national, regional, and international level. The discussion also aimed at identifying key recommendations for States and other actors on how to render human rights monitoring more robust.

Program:

Opening remarks by Peggy Hicks, OHCHR, Director, Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division

Panel

• Roberto Forin, Mixed Migration Centre
• Luca Lixi, Permanent Delegation of the EU to the UN in Geneva
• Alyson Kilpatrick, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
• Olivia Solari Yrigoyen, Franciscans International
• Gehad Madi, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants

Closing remarks by H.E. Mrs. Francisca E. Méndez Escobar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations Office at Geneva

Moderator: Laurel Townhead, Director at Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in Geneva