Morocco calls for appointing special rapporteur on expatriate workers' rights
Morocco expressed backing to a recent proposal to appoint a special UN rapporteur on the rights of expatriate workers.
A Moroccan diplomat taking part in the 55th session of the UN human rights commission currently held in Geneva deplored the persistence of xenophobia and racism against migrant workers in some host countries. He explained that after the 60s during which the European authorities opened the doors wide for migrant workers, in the 70s, expatriate workers were held responsible for all the problems in the host countries.
The Moroccan delegate conceded that some measures were taken to narrow the inequality gap between national and foreign workers, but, he noted, expatriate workers are not treated equally and continue to be the victims of xenophobia, racism, discrimination in housing, jobs and training. Also, he went on, the immigrant workers' religious rights are often violated.
He added that not a single European country has so far ratified the international convention on the protection of migrant workers and their families that was adopted in 1990.
He also urged for the enforcement of the recommendations adopted by the Copenhagen social summit as a means to address the structural and juncture causes of migratory movements.
After he hailed the work accomplished by the inter-governmental group on migrant workers rights, the Moroccan delegate said Morocco supports the group's recommendation that the world body appoints a special rapporteur on the migrant workers' rights. He explained that the existing implements do not address properly migrant issues.
