Mr. President,

We thank both Special Rapporteurs for their presentations.

Turkey welcomes Mr Crépeau's detailed analysis on the impact of trade agreements on the human rights of migrants. His findings demonstrate that the issue of migration needs a far more comprehensive, human rights-based approach.


Indeed, it is essential to instill the idea that migrants are not viewed as plain commodities or factors of production, but human beings with rights.

We agree that fostering a culture of transparency and accountability is a must to reach positive development outcomes. As the former Chair of the GFMD, Turkey believes that efforts to ensure the dignity and well-being of migrants depend on international responsibility-sharing, as well as on effective integration of human rights into policies. This vision involves opening more regular migration channels, including facilitated and well-regulated mobility mechanisms, paving the way for economic growth, more employment opportunities and increased competitiveness. Introducing targeted measures such as reducing the cost of remittances would also be of great significance.

The endeavours of Turkey concerning Syrians remain as examples of good practice for many years now. The total number of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey exceeded 2.7 million. As for their social inclusion, they have been benefiting from free healthcare, as well as from access to the national labour market. Thus, their exploitation by underground labour markets is avoided, and a functioning regulation scheme is put in place.

We are concerned with the perception about migrant workers that is conducive to rising xenophobia, ill-treatment, abuse and violence. Discrimination in any form against migrants should be prevented with all available legal means. In this regard, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers represents an adequate and comprehensive framework. 26 years on from its adoption, it is simply disappointing to see that it has only 48 States parties. Therefore, we add our voice to Mr Crépeau in reiterating our call upon all States to adhere to this crucial Convention.

Thank you Mr. President.