Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Estonia at first panel of the first formal session on Human rights of all migrants for the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
08.05.2017
Statement by Riia Salsa, Deputy
Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN in Geneva at the first formal
session on Human rights of all migrants, social inclusion, cohesion, and all
forms of discrimination, including racism, xenophobia, and intolerance for the
UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration Geneva
8-9 May 2017
Panel 1: Protecting Human Rights of all
migrants
Thank
you, Mr. Moderator and all panelists. Estonia
aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Estonia
welcomes the dedicated focus on human rights of all migrants of this first
preparatory thematic session of the Global Compact on Migration. We are
committed to ensure that the protection of human rights is mainstreamed
throughout the Global Compact.
While
developing the Global Compact on migration, it is the duty of States to fulfil
their commitments under the international law and human rights treaties in
order to protect the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their
migratory status. Particular attention has to be devoted to the protection of
the specific needs of migrants in vulnerable situations, but also to gender
mainstreaming including through the promotion of gender equality and the
empowerment of women and girls.
Allow
me to focus on undoubtedly one of the most vulnerable group of migrants – the
children. Estonia pays special attention to the plight of child migrants and to
the effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all
children, regardless of their status. We are convinced that the best interest
of the child must guide all considerations concerning children. Therefore,
Estonia is working towards strengthening child protection and integration
measures in national legislative frameworks and practices, including in the
areas of access to education, health, social and legal services, as well as in
promoting measures to combat discrimination and xenophobia.
Migration
– a phenomenon that is as old as the mankind – needs to be addressed properly
including by reinforcing international cooperation and enhancing shared
responsibility among countries of origin, transit and destination, and by
tackling the root causes, often linked to human rights violations. When
addressing the root causes of irregular migration, the importance of
complementarity and coherence of different policies, instruments and tools has
to be emphasized.
Allow
me to also touch upon accepting the return of nationals, an obligation of all
States as enshrined in international law. We see the need for increased
cooperation between States to facilitate safe and dignified returns of their
nationals, carried out in full compliance with international law. From the
national perspective, we recognize the important role of IOM in assisting national
authorities with returns of third country nationals without a legal basis to
stay in Estonia.
Thank you!
 
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