The UN Migrant Workers Convention

What is the UN Migrant Workers Convention?

The Convention is the first universal codification of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families. It provides a set of binding fundamental standards to address the treatment, welfare and human rights of both documented and, as well as the obligations and responsibilities on the part of sending, receiving and transit countries. This international instrument is formally known as the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Why such a Convention?

The aim of the Convention is to ensure that all migrant workers have access to a minimum level of protection such as equality of treatment and working conditions for migrants and nationals. Although the Convention makes a distinction between documented and undocumented migrant workers, it does stress that every migrant worker who qualifies under its provision should enjoy all fundamental human rights, regardless of his/her legal status.

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