IFRC Policy on Migration The role of National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent 1

IFRC and Migration Migration has always been a phenomena What is new are certain characteristics: increased fluidity, trans-nationalism, and increased pressure on resources. Migrants have always been met with suspicion and fear. Not recognising or denying the ‘humanity’ of the foreigner is an old strategy.

What is new? The legalistic approach many governments take. At first, this can mean more legal certainty, security, predictability and more rationality in policy setting and implementation.legal certaintypredictability

“the foreigner as a threat” Migration is often perceived exclusively as a challenge in terms of the management and regulation (or prevention) of ‘demographic pressures’ and ‘migratory fluxes’. Reinforced by the notion of “the foreigner as a threat”, this perception has tended to deflect attention away from the humanitarian dimensions of migration.”

Policy beginnings. The issue of migration as a humanitarian concern was discussed in depth at a no of regional forums Berlin and Manila 2002, Santiago de Chile 2003, Athens, Istanbul and the XVIII InterAmerican Conference, Guayaquil, Ecuador, June 2007

InterAmerican Conference, Guayaquil, Ecuador, June 2007 Commitment VI. To better protect, support and assist people affected by migration, regardless of their legal status..

We will advocate for unconditional access to migrants,. reduce all forms of discrimination against migrant workers and their families. improve cooperation between National Societies in countries of origin, transit and destination. respect the rights of all migrants, including the Principle of Non-refoulement We will advocate for voluntary return of migrants to the country of origin.

Strategy 2020 guidance on migration: We tackle migrants’ vulnerabilities by addressing underlying causes, Provide help to vulnerable migrants who are in need of assistance and protection, Reduce risks that they face along migratory routes, Empower them in the search for long-lasting and appropriate solutions, and promote understanding of migrants’ rights and their social inclusion

POLICY ON MIGRATION Endorsed by the General Assembly in November 2009 Reflects the global consensus of National Societies that: (1) migration presents a humanitarian challenge of global dimensions, (2) we must enhance the coherence, effectiveness and predictability of Red Cross and Red Crescent responses to migration.

Policy Principles 1. Focus on the Needs and Vulnerabilities of Migrants 2. Include Migrants in Humanitarian Programming 3. Support the Aspirations of Migrants 4. Recognize the Rights of Migrants 5. Link Assistance, Protection and Humanitarian Advocacy for Migrants 6. Build Partnerships for Migrants 7. Work Along the Migratory Trails 8. Assist Migrants in Return 9. Respond to the Displacement of Populations 10. Alleviate Migratory Pressures on Communities of Origin

The Policy is inclusive and broad whilst reinforcing International Law We aim at an inclusive response to all categories of migrants, according to needs and vulnerabilities Our Policy insists on the right of migrants to status determination

Inter-agency collaboration IFRC is a partner of inter-Agency discussions with UNHCR, The Federation is ready to represent National Societies’ needs in these discussions. This is particularly important in discussions concerning mixed flows. Our concern is for vulnerability.

IFRC RELATIONSHIP WITH UNHCR UNHCR has become a valuable partner for the IFRC, at all levels: Bilateral dialogue on policy issues Multilateral cooperation that includes a wide range of National Societies On-the-ground partnerships in complex field situations.

UNHCR has bilateral agreements with many National Societies. These agreements such as the ‘honorary liaison’ role vary from context to context. They range from agreements concerning management of refugee and IDP camps, agreements supporting social services, to individual migrants in countries of destination and mixed migration contexts.

MIXED MIGRATION AND COOPERATION WITH UNHCR The IFRC’s cooperation with UNHCR and the related intergovernmental community has moved forward particularly in regard to mixed migration flows. IFRC, UNHCR and IOM co-organised an expert roundtable in Tunis last July on “Different People, Different Needs”, related to the UNHCR’s 10-Point Plan of Action on Mixed Migration.

Common humanitarian platform It is important for the UNHCR and the IFRC to have a common humanitarian platform UNHCR naturally focuses on asylum. However, refugees and asylum seekers, represent only a small percentage of the migrants in mixed migration. Addressing the specific situation of asylum seekers and refugees must not lead to reduced attention to other vulnerable migrants. All migrants in need have a right to basic services and assistance, irrespective of their legal status.

The Red Cross Red Crescent: ensure all persons affected by migration have access to humanitarian assistance, essential services and legal support, irrespective of their legal status. special interest in protection of migrants exposed to risks to physical integrity and well- being, ie. unaccompanied and separated minor migrants, cases of labour exploitation and human trafficking.

Supports a collaborative partnerships aims to improve information sharing, restoring family links and communication focus on disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness in order to alleviate the pressures which compel people to migrate. special expertise and outreach in Restoring Family Links (RFL). NS are in a strong position to work together along migratory trails.

Humanitarian action takes measures to ensure migrants are included in humanitarian action, and are not prevented from receiving assistance. recognises that the human rights of migrants including irregular migrants need special attention. No migrant is without rights

What the Red Cross Red Crescent does NOT do: it does not play a role in determining the legal status of migrants it does not prevent or dissuade, nor encourage migration. National Societies raise the awareness of potential migrants concerning the risks of migration, particularly irregular migration, however, whether to migrate or not is a personal decision.

We do not participate in expulsions or deportations of migrants. However, with the prior consent of individual(s) who are being forcibly removed, and the National Society in the country of return, National Societies respond to humanitarian needs.

Ensuring individual rights it never assumes that irregular migrants arriving in groups have identical needs. Each migrant is recognized as an individual with individual needs and rights, including the right to seek asylum. it will not collaborate with governmental and non-governmental partners when the objective is political and inconsistent with the Fundamental Humanitarian Principles.

Challenges posed by migration IFRC and National Societies recognise that the challenges posed by migration cannot be met by any agency or government acting alone. We are keen to develop alliances and partnerships to address these challenges, but the objectives must take full account of the humanitarian needs of the migrants themselves, and be in compliance with the Fundamental Principles.

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