VULNERABILITY OF MIGRANTS-IN PARTICULAR WOMEN & CHILDREN- TO XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE
(Speaking Notes)
OHCHR panel discussion on vulnerability of migrants to racism, xenophobia and discrimination, New York, 4 May 2011
Joyce Tlou, South African Human Rights Commission
Excellencies, distinguished participants and colleagues
Most migrants, in particular the undocumented, unauthorised, irregular migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are already in a vulnerable position due to an intricate linkage in root causes such as poverty, economic under-development, poor governance and human rights violations that compel their movement from their countries of origin. Women and children in turn represent the most vulnerable among an already vulnerable population. Thus it is imperative to mainstream gender and age into the various aspects of the migration debate.