International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrants Enters into Force

29 October 2003

On July 1, 2003, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families entered into force. The Con- vention aims to prevent and eliminate the exploitation of migrant workers, particularly to put an end to the illegal recruitment and trafficking of migrant workers and to discourage the employment of migrant workers in an irregular or undocumented situation. It sets binding international standards to address the treatment, welfare and human rights of both documented and undocumented migrants. It also sets out the obligations and responsibilities of both the country of origin and the country of reception. Under the Convention, persons who qualify as migrant workers are entitled to the enjoyment of human rights regardless of legal status. Only one European country has signed the Convention to date: Bosnia and Herzegovina.

(ERRC)