1. EAPN Migration Task Force Briefing
Towards a rights-based approach to migration and poverty
Kadri Soova, PICUM

2. The current state of play
Top agenda item-highly politicised on national- EU level
Certain MS in particular pushing EU for policies that appear “tough”
Mainstreaming of migration control priorities across EU policy areas
Regular/irregular dichotomy- reality much more complex
Human rights safeguards seen as “obstacles”
Contradictory policies, erosion of existing HR standards (example of recent Returns Package)

3. EAPN perspective on migration
Exclusion, poverty, abuse and exploitation of migrants
Non-discriminatory and inclusive approach, everybody’s struggle to improve their lives should be respected
Positive narrative: migrants as an added value to our societies
Direct experiences of migrants
Promotes a common understanding amongst its members

4. Context Legal definitions:
Migrant- undocumented/irregular migrant- refugees- asylum seekers- detention- deportation
Key data: What is relevant and necessary for you? Lack of data and evidence is a general concern
EU policy framework

5. Key issues and challenges
Poverty & migration- often the reason for leaving but remain in poverty in the EU
(non EU migrants over 40% risk of poverty compared to 22,5% of EU citizens)
Safe entry- lack of regular channels- the smuggling debate
Conditions when people arrive- example of the EU-Turkey deal
Right to residence and work
-Large majority of migrants arrive regularly with some sort of visa- precarious cycle of short term visas
-Very few opportunities to have a work permit, especially for lower paid jobs

6. Key issues and challenges - 2
Access to services depends on the type of immigration status
- Exclusion of undocumented from essential services or facing, additional barriers
- Criminalisation and policing of service provision& assistance- reporting obligations
Exploitation and abuse- precarious situation particularly for undocumented workers
Victims of crime- access to protection and justice
Migrant women and children face particular risks

7. Key issues and challenges- 3
Detention and deportation
Portrayed as deterrent- evidence points to the contrary
Political push to increase numbers, “success of migration management” only benchmarked against this number
Child detention is never in the best interest of the child and ALWAYS a child rights violation

8. The Way Forward
Benefits migrants bring to societies and labour markets
Outreach to migrant voices
NGO different roles
What are EAPN key messages/principles on migration? Where and how does it place itself in this debate?