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Annan calls for broader accession to convention on migrant rights

Annan calls for broader accession to convention on migrant rights

Noting that only 27 governments have acceded to or ratified the convention on migrant rights, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on the other 164 United Nations Member States to ratify the international pact and to work with the committee recently established to monitor adherence.

The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families calls for international cooperation “to prevent and eliminate illegal or clandestine movement and employment of irregular migrants and thus combat exploitation,” he said in a message to mark International Migrants Day today.

He also urged governments to report to the treaty's monitoring committee on the measures they have taken to implement the Convention's provisions, while meeting their obligation to consider claims from individuals that their rights have been violated.

With an estimated one in 35 people a migrant, the Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the contributions they have made to economies, societies and cultural advancement around the world, Mr. Annan said.