Be Mindful of Migrants’ Rights

On this day, 18 December 2013, the world observes the International Migrants’ Day in accordance with the proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 18 December 2000. In observing this day, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), UN member states as well as intergovernmental agencies have an obligation to disseminate information on human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants. Furthermore, they are invited to share experiences and design actions that guarantee the protection of foreign migrants. On this front, commendable efforts have been undertaken by the stakeholders concerned to ensure that migrants enjoy their human rights regardless of their status in the countries of destination.

Sadly, migrants continue to face myriad challenges in their countries of destination as well as their countries of origin. International migration is a consequence of various tribulations in the countries of origin, such as, poverty, civil conflicts, persecution emanating from discrimination, economic hardships and insecurity. Upon arrival in their countries of destination, foreign migrants often have to contend with additional problems. They become victims of human rights violations in the form of racism, xenophobia, slavery, forced labour and denial of access to fundamental social and economic rights, such as, right to health or right to education. Foreign migrants may also be subjected to degrading working conditions. 

The face of desolation: Challenges await these migrants as they move in search of a better life (Photo courtesy of www.doctorswithoutborders.org)

In October 2013, Tanzania was the scene for nasty incidences of xenophobia after several Malawian migrants were targeted by certain locals for allegedly making life difficult for them. South Africa was also in the news in May 2008 after a wave of attacks against foreign migrants, which was one of the most devastating. A survey in 2010 by the Southern Africa Migration Programme (SAMP) titled, Soft Targets: Xenophobia, Public Violence and Changing Attitudes to Migrants in South Africa, revealed that there were positive developments concerning South Africans’ attitudes towards foreign migrants. Despite the optimism, SAMP sounded an alarm to the fact that 80 per cent of the natives either want migrants to be prohibited from entering the country or support legislation to restrict the migrants' entry.

Contrary to negative tags that have been put on foreign migrants, their movement into other countries bodes well for their destinations and countries of origin. According to the UN, the potential gains of respecting migrants’ rights are larger than the benefits that can be accrued from free international trade, especially for developing nations. Instead of competing with the natives for jobs, migrants actually complement the skills of the latter by undertaking tasks that would cost more for the employers. This allows domestic workers to perform other tasks that are more productive and better paying.

Foreign migrants spur economic growth in the countries of destination by contributing entrepreneurial skills acquired from countries of origin, enlarging the labour force or pool of consumers in the countries of destination. For example, in 2006, the Bank of England admitted that increased migration into the United Kingdom was responsible for the steady prices of oil, which in turn prevented an upsurge in inflation. The growth of the buy-to-let market in the UK also increased due to the increased demand for housing facilities by new arrivals.

Not only do foreign migrants contribute to economic growth, they also foster the creation of multicultural societies through cultural diversity. People in the countries of destination encounter cultures of the migrants, which creates cultural awareness and acceptance. This fosters understanding and respect among societies, people and cultures. 

Cry of a migrant: We should hear migrants' plea for the world to respect their rights (Photo courtesy of www.atlanticblackstar.com)

Such benefits can only materialize when foreign migrants are allowed to enjoy their rights.  Several conventions exist to ensure that this becomes a reality. The International Convention on the Protection of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW) adopted by UNGA in 1990 states that all migrant workers are entitled to enjoy their human rights; their legal status notwithstanding. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) also adopted two conventions namely: ILO 97 Migration for Employment Convention and ILO 143 Migrant Workers Convention.  Both conventions make provisions concerning the working life of migrants, such as, access to information, medical attention, family reunification, recruitment and maintenance of their own culture.

The number of foreign migrants worldwide has steadily increased from 175 million in 2000 to 232 million in 2013 where one in every ten is aged 15 years old. Migration continues to affect every corner of the world where many countries have simultaneously become countries of destination, origin and transit. In the words of Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, “Governments are obliged to ensure that xenophobic violence, racism and related intolerance against migrants are non-existent in their societies." People across the globe should assist their governments in this regard by being mindful of the rights of the foreign migrants in their midst.

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Celebration of a Life Well Lived: Special Tribute to ‘Tata’

On 5 December 2013, a light was switched off in the world. Nelson Rolihahla Mandela finally bid farewell to us at a ripe age of 95 years. A journey that began on 18 July 1918 in Mvezo, South Africa has now come to an end. He may be gone but his ideals of freedom, justice, equality and forgiveness forever remain etched in our memories — ideals that few members of the human race ever practice in their daily lives.

The African Migration and Development Policy Centre (AMADPOC) wishes to celebrate the life of this African son. He was a sun that shone brightly into the hearts of all those who knew him and provided warmth in the midst of the stormiest weathers. Many people have paid glowing tribute to him; this tribute pales in comparison to other glowing tributes sent by various prominent people worldwide. AMADPOC honours you Tata by sharing some of your wisest quotes, which we pray will inspire us in fulfilling our mission and objectives.

Mandela reminded us of the ecstatic feeling associated with finding our feet every time we fall as aptly captured through these words:

“The greatest glory lies not in never falling but rising everytime we fall”

We can never forget Madiba’s wise words about never giving up on attaining what seems beyond our reach. Having been at the forefront of the fight against apartheid, these words could not have been truer:

“It always seems impossible until it’s done”

Mandela once said, “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere and many of us will have to pass through the valley of shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires”.  This was a timely advice that attaining freedom is a journey that will involve repeated mishaps before we finally reach our destination.

His intelligence and good intentions towards humanity made him a man who always set about to do right towards others and mould a society of peace, love and unity. When he uttered the quotes below, many people realized that it was, unwittingly, an apt description of the man himself:

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination”

Mandela clearly understood the value an educated society would provide for its own benefit. The quote below was an advice to both rich and poor countries to use education as a tool for developing the world.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”

Madiba embraced his flaws and appreciated that he was not a saint. Throughout his life, he faced many obstacles yet he was determined not to let them lessen his grip on the values he held dearly. The quote below was an encouragement to many people that life has its ups and downs:

“After climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb”

If Mandela did it, then why shouldn’t Africa rise above its challenges? Madiba jumped over the hurdles in his way and having run a good race, has left a legacy that we can only admire in awe and hope to follow in his footsteps. The only befitting gift we can grant Tata is to strive to attain his dream for Africa; a continent, which is at peace with itself.

Till we meet again, fare thee well. Rest in Peace Tata

What is your favourite quote by Nelson Mandela?

 

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Thousands Displaced as Civil Strife Escalates in Central Africa Republic

Close to 460,000 people — 10% of Central African Republic’s (CAR) population — have fled their homes as fighting intensifies in the country one year after the Seleka Coalition launched an offensive that toppled the former President Francois Bozize. An unknown number of civilians have been killed sparking concerns by the international community of a potential genocide in the country.

The CAR civil conflict began on 10 December 2012 when the coalition, consisting of several rebel groups, accused Bozize of defaulting on the peace agreements they had signed with the government in 2007 and 2011. The war pitted government armed forces, also known as Central African Armed Forces (FACA), and Seleka, which comprised two rebel groups — Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR) and Convention of Patriots for Peace and Justice (CPJP).

Deserted homes: Villagers have fled their homes for fear of attacks by Seleka bandits (Photo Credit: www.guardianlv.com)

However, the conflict has taken a new dimension with the disbanding of Seleka in September 2013 by the current president, Michael Djotodia, who is a former member of the group. Andrew Harding, a BBC’s African correspondent, outlines details in his article of banditry, brutality and score-settling that has become the norm of the now-disintegrated Seleka group. 

The conflict has also assumed a religious dimension where Christian vigilante groups — also known as ‘anti-balaka’ — are fighting Muslims who they perceive to have the support of Seleka. Anti-balaka is a Mandja or Sango word that refers to self-defence groups formed by communities to defend themselves from poachers, bandits, cattle rustlers and rebels. Father Dieudonne, a priest in the town of Bossangoa, explains that “the relationship between Muslims and Christians may have been destroyed forever”.

The EU Humanitarian Head Kristalina Georgieva had warned that CAR could slump into a state of collapse as well as genocide as fighting intensified between the Seleka-backed Muslims and the majority Christians. President Djotodia was quick to dispel such speculations stating that it was a fabrication of the international community. He explained that, “there is no inter-religious war. This is attributed to some Seleka elements and loyalists of the former government settling scores with each other”.

The World Food Programme (WFP) recent report in November 2013 paints a grim picture of the humanitarian situation in the country. Close to 1.1 million people — representing 30 per cent of the country’s population — cannot meet their daily food needs including access to nutritious food. The conflict forced many families to flee their homes leaving their crops and livestock unattended. The WFP warns that the situation could worsen as long as the conflict persists. According to Harding’s article, villagers have fled to the bushes for fear of repeat attacks whereas others have sought refuge in churches and mosques.

The International Red Cross Society has been involved in humanitarian activities in CAR (Photo Credit: www.ifrc.org)

The Central African Republic has been mired in civil conflicts since its independence in 1960 from France. Its human rights record is wanting with the Human Rights Watch (HRW) accusing Seleka of killing unarmed civilians and engaging in wanton destruction of property. The HRW released its report in September 2013 titled, ‘I Can Still Smell the Dead: The Forgotten Human Rights Crisis in the Central African Republic’, urging the international community to impose sanctions on those responsible for the human rights abuses.

What is the solution to the persistent conflict in CAR?

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SID Releases Report on Inequality in East Africa

The Society for International Development (SID) released the ‘State of East Africa Report 2013’ (SoEAR 2013), which revealed damning statistics about inequality in the five East African Community (EAC) countries. The report, released at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi on 22 November 2013, puts Rwanda as the most unequal country in the region while Kenya and Tanzania follow suit as countries where inequality is increasing. Burundi is the least unequal country in the region, according to the report.

The report unearthed through several national census reports that the urban population, is increasing in East Africa. The SoEAR 2013 cites the Kenya 2009 Census revealing that 32 per cent of Kenya’s population reside in urban areas. In Tanzania, the 2012 census data revealed that the country’s urban population had increased from 19 per cent in 1990 to 30 per cent in 2012. The report predicts that urban population in the five countries will double in the next 16 years where most of these people will settle in unplanned settlements.

SoEAR 2013  predicts that such population in urban areas will double in the next 16 years (Photo Credit: www.jakelyell.com)

North Eastern Burundi, Karamoja in Uganda and Dodoma in Tanzania are the worst places in the region to raise a child —from a nutritional viewpoint. SoEAR 2013 also reveals that malnutrition rates among rich households in Kenya and Tanzania have increased albeit the malnutrition gaps between rich and poor households have decreased in both countries. Uganda has also witnessed a reduction in malnutrition gap between the rich and poor, which is because malnutrition rates among poor households in the country have decreased.

Launching the report, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Speaker Margaret Zziwa stated that, “This report mirrors East Africa region and its people. It affords us the chance to think critically of the people we represent.” Hon. Zziwa also stated that SoEAR 2013 challenges EALA to internalise what the statistics mean for the region.

SoEAR 2013, furthermore, paints a bleak picture of the agricultural sector in EAC where the sector’s contribution to economic growth is shrinking. This is despite the fact that most East Africans live off agricultural activities—in Uganda, it employs 66 per cent of the labour force whereas in Kenya, it employs 70 per cent of its rural population. The share of agriculture in Burundi’s economy, for instance, reduced by 12 per cent from 48.4 per cent to 36.4 per cent between 2006 and 2011.

 Agriculture is increasingly contributing less to the economies of EAC countries (Photo Credit: www.in2eastafrica.net)

The good news, however, is that the overall migrant remittances in the region has increased from $2.1 billion in 2011 to $2.4 billion in 2012. Kenya had the highest inflows of remittances at $1.2 billion whereas Burundi recorded the lowest inflows with $42 million.

Speaking at the same function, Abubakar Zein Abubakar, Chairman of EALA’s Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution, explained that EALA has no choice but to invest in evidence-based interventions.

SoEAR 2013 is part of the ‘State of East Africa Report’ series, which provide policy makers, citizens and political leaders with insight and information regarding the ongoing integration process and other issues affecting the region. The latest report in this series—SoEAR 2013—can be downloaded from SID’s website. 

What is your opinion on the state of inequality in East Africa?

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EU Grapples with Aftermath of Lampedusa Tragedy as Eritrea and Italy Make Funeral Plans for Victims

The Lampedusa boat tragedy occurred on October 3 2013 when a 20m-boat ferrying over 500 illegal immigrants—mostly from Eritrea and Somalia—capsized in the Mediterranean Sea near the Sicilian Island. Those on board had moved to one side of the overloaded boat after it caught fire. Fishermen who were the first to arrive on the scene managed to rescue 155 people.

 So far, divers have retrieved 311 bodies from the wreckage, which represent one of the worst boat disasters involving illegal immigrants. Rescue efforts have been hampered by the fact that most of the bodies are trapped in the wreckage of the boat.

Eritrea has sought to assure its citizens that it is planning on returning the bodies of the Eritrean victims of the Lampedusa boat tragedy for a state funeral. This announcement comes in the wake of Italy’s declaration to honour the over 300 victims with a state funeral.

However, the Eritrean Embassy in Italy announced that it is negotiating with Italian authorities so that the deceased can be taken back to their homeland for burial by their kin. Furthermore, the Eritrean government has undertaken to cater for transport costs as well as other expenses that may be involved. 

 

Eritrea has set aside a day of national mourning for the Lampedusa victims (Photo Credit: www.tesfanews.net)

The Eastern African country’s plan, however, may never come to fruition after the Italian government granted posthumous citizenship to the victims. Ironically, the fate of the survivors of the tragedy is unknown. Under the 2002 Bossi-Fini Immigration Law, the survivors were to face criminal charges for ‘clandestine immigration’—an offence, which carries a fine of €5,000. 

In light of the tragic events, the government has set in motion plans to repeal this law.

Italy’s decision to grant posthumous citizenship to deceased and deprive survivors of the same has been labelled as a politically motivated move that is aimed at salvaging its conscience. Mary Dejevsky described in her article  in The Spectator, that “this is grotesque and proves to would-be refugees and activists that receiving countries prefer dead migrants than those who make it alive”.

Prime Minister Enrico Letta met a hostile reception when he visited the Southern Italian island of Lampedusa alongside European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. Shouts of ‘disgrace’ and ‘killers’ filled the air as the two arrived at a makeshift mortuary to meet survivors and rescue workers.  One protester shouted, “Shame on them! They should solve this humanitarian crisis”.

Barroso announced the disbursement of 30 million Euros to assist Italy resettle the refugees. He also explained that the EU would focus on people who smuggle illegal migrants into Europe and cooperate with the illegal immigrants’ countries of origin. 

Lampedusa residents throw flowers at the scene of the boat disaster in memory of the victims (Photo Credit: www.dailymail.co.uk)

 On his part, PM Letta promised to push for migration to be included at the centre of the EU’s agenda. He acknowledged the mushrooming of a huge humanitarian drama on Lampedusa. France has already called for an urgent EU meeting to discuss Italy’s concerns.

Lampedusa has been one of the three key entry points for illegal immigrants into Europe. Other routes include the West African route via the Canary Islands and the West Mediterranean route. Lampedusa was in the news back in 2010 when 63 illegal immigrants lost their lives—an event that incurred the anger of activists on Spanish and French military for ignoring the immigrants’ distress calls.

According to BBC, 2013 has seen over 30,000 illegal immigrants enter Italy by sea. Three thousand Eritreans often try to flee their country every month because of political persecutions and forced conscription into the army. The Al Shabab menace in Somalia is one of the reasons many Somalis flee the country for a better life in Europe. This situation is compounded by the lawlessness in the country, which has been rocked by over 20 years of war.

In light of the Lampedusa boat disaster, should EU be more accommodative of illegal immigrants fleeing their countries?

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