Rights of Migrants in a Multicultural Society Experiences of migration and multicultural policy in Europe Ciarán Ó Maoláin

Defining Europe The European Union 27 states 495 million people 18.5 million migrants 65 official languages

Defining Europe The Council of Europe 47 states + 1 candidate 800 million people 133 official languages

Council of Europe instruments and agencies European Convention on Human Rights European Court of Human Rights Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Venice Commission European Commission against Racism and Intolerance Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

European Union instruments and agencies common migration policy Schengen system Common Basic Principles for Immigrant Integration Policy Common Agenda for Integration former European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia: now Fundamental Rights Agency European Commission anti-trafficking work European Social Fund European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals European Refugee Fund

Other European structures Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe High Commissioner on National Minorities

National human rights institutions 17 NHRIs in Council of Europe states (“European Group”) + at least 65 other rights-based institutions Many activities in relation to migration and multiculturalism: Migrant Workers Convention public commitments to accessibility and equality legal responsibilities in anti-discrimination materials in migrant languages co-operation among NHRIs legislation and policy advice

National human rights institutions Many activities in relation to migration and multiculturalism: investigations on migration, citizenship, asylum anti-trafficking work challenging discrimination by public authorities implementation of European Union programmes work for Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities protection of emigrants abroad joint working with representative NGOs

Specialised anti-discrimination institutions Remit to combat racism and discrimination May be part of NHRI May collaborate with NHRI More likely to exist in countries that have accredited NHRIs Where absent, special responsibility on NHRIs

Promotion of inter-cultural relations Prevention is better than cure Promote intercultural understanding and tolerance, reduce hostility to migrants European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and EU research Council of Europe declarations National plans and strategies

Educational initiatives Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention Commentary on education: right to education right to equality in education education as a tool for: preserving identity eliminating discrimination promoting integration and tolerance professional training safe environment for minorities

The media access to the media including minority presence in mainstream media right to create and use media in migrant/minority language representation of migrants and minorities in the media

Participation in public life Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention Commentary on participation: comprehensive laws against discrimination adaptation of public services to special needs eliminate unjustifiable barriers participation in politics and the legislative process consultation mechanisms minority participation in public service, judiciary etc.

Europe does not have all the answers! Impact of global recession Rise of xenophobic parties Islamophobia Detention of asylum seekers NHRIs and other institutions vulnerable to budget cuts

Conclusion NHRIs must respond to particular needs of migrants Potential role for a specialised anti-discrimination agency Promote inter-cultural dialogue Involve minorities in monitoring human rights obligations Integrate as equals, reject assimilationist approaches A challenge for institutions, for activists, for everyone