Manu Chao and legislators for the rights of migrants

Listening to the concert given in Geneva in October by French-Spanish singer Manu Chao - the epitomy of the citizen of the world - singer and seeing how his songs and commitment to the question of migrants stimulate people of different generations, there is a feeling that parliamentarians - legitimate representatives of the citizens - could play a major role in issues that stir the emotions of ordinary people.

The conclusions of a seminar held the same month at the IPU on migration and human rights may be an interesting track. Participants highlighted the fact that in today's global market, in stark contrast with the near lack of limitations on the flow of capital and goods, there is no free flow of people. This is partly explained by unfounded fears that migrants may take away jobs from nationals, they said, adding however, as proved in the case of Spain and other countries, that migration actually creates new jobs and wealth. If countries are to truly function at the universal level, they have to come together, first of all at the regional level, to facilitate human mobility as part of achieving economic integration and development. In this regard, there is a role for MPs to conclude agreements on the free circulation of persons in all regions.

Manu Chao could not have put it better. Until there is a free flow of people, irregular migration will continue to exist and, in the light of growing economic disparities, the number of people leaving their countries to find a better future elsewhere is only bound to increase. At the Geneva seminar, parliamentarians said that they have the responsibility to respond to this challenge by helping ensure that admission systems that are transparent, clear and coherent are in place for migrants. They also emphasized the importance of creating sufficient opportunities for people to migrate legally and added that external border controls of target countries, "are not only ineffective in the final analysis in the absence of a comprehensive rights based approach to migration, but also come at a significant human cost".

Like Manu Chao in his most famous song, Clandestino, parliamentarians attending the seminar are appalled by the large numbers of people who have died trying to reach their destination by sea or land, sometimes at the hands of unscrupulous people smugglers. Firm action should be taken to ensure that effective legislation is in place and implemented to address the trafficking of persons. They recognize that a large number of irregular migrants live in receiving countries, many of whom do not enjoy the most basic rights to which they are entitled. They also noted how regularization can be an option worth pursuing to make these migrants part and parcel of society.

In Geneva, legislators committed "to resist policies, including those advocated by our fellow parliamentarians that create a divisive society, and to use our powers in favour of the rights of all migrants to promote a diverse and cohesive society. We should not forget that by restricting and violating the human rights of migrants, the fundamental rights of all will be diminished".

The important question of migration is on the agenda of the 118th IPU Assembly, to be held in South Africa in April 2008 - something that Manu Chao and his fans would no doubt applaud.

L.B.