HRC Side Event | Protecting the Human Rights of Migrants

Friday 2 March 2018

12:00 - 1:30 pm

Palais des Nations (Room XXIII)

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In the context of an increasingly restrictive environment which tends to consider migration as a security issue that takes precedence over rights' protection, the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), in cooperation with the International Detention Coalition (IDC) and the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), and with the support of the Swiss Permanent Mission, convene a side event to discuss how to enhance the rights of migrants and of those defending their rights. The focus will be put on the on-going process to negotiate the Global Compact on Migration.

The reports of the Special Rapporteur on Torture and the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders respectively focus on torture and other ill-treatment in the context of migration and the experience of human rights defenders working in the context of people on the move. Their reports will be presented to the Human Rights Council in March.

In addition, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will present to the Human Rights Council in March a report on the Principles and Guidelines, supported by practical guidance on the protection of the human rights of migrants in vulnerable situations.

The side event will allow each expert's findings to feed into this process.

Panelists:

• Nils Melzer, Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
• Laurel Townhead, Representative, Human Rights and Refugees, Quaker United Nations Office
• Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders
• Pia Oberoi, Advisor on Migration and Human Rights, Thematic engagement, Special Procedures and Rights to Development Division, OHCHR

Moderator:

• Barbara Bernath, Chief of Operations, APT

We hope you can join us. Attendance with UN identification pass only!

Photo: Gémes Sándor/SzomSz