A/HRC/13/60 59. The speaker pointed out that migration provided responses to fast-changing needs for skills and personnel resulting from technological advances, changes in market conditions and industrial transformations. In countries of ageing populations, migration offered a potential to replenish declining workforces as well as to inject younger workers, increasing dynamism, innovation and mobility in workforces. It was noted that ILO research indicated that legal labour migration channels contributed to reducing both the trafficking and smuggling of migrants. 60. Mr. Taran pointed out that, in accordance also with the provisions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, racist and xenophobic discrimination, behaviour and action should be made unacceptable and illegal; administrative measures should ensure the full implementation of legislations and accountability of all government officials; independent NHRIs/anti-discrimination institutions should have the power to address noncitizens; respect for diversity and multicultural interaction should be promoted; media should be encouraged to emphasize positive images/messages of diversity and migration; multicultural and diversity training should be incorporated in educational curricula; and civil society should be mobilized. 61. Moreover, the panellist noted that immediate crisis response should include, among others: avoiding forced expulsions or return of migrant workers; increasing capacity and extending labour inspection; using all means to repress violence and xenophobia against foreigners and to prosecute perpetrators of such acts; explicitly discouraging the scapegoating of migrants in public discourses; expanding international support for employment-intensive recovery measures, employment creation and the extension of protection measures to affected populations. 62. A delegate speaking on behalf of a regional group emphasized that respect for human rights could not be ignored even in times of financial difficulty. It was suggested that regional bodies become more involved in exchanging ideas and sharing good practices. 63. Another delegate speaking on behalf of a regional group expressed concerns over nationalistic movements with political motives aiming to deepen xenophobic practices against foreigners. The need for urgent measures in this regard was highlighted. 64. A delegate pointed out that the human dimension, including the labour force, of globalization had not been receiving appropriate attention. 65. Another delegate highlighted the importance of national action plans and NHRIs. The necessity to improve the collection of information on migration and close collaboration with civil society was also noted. 66. A participant noted that the sharing of success stories could facilitate progress in the area. 67. The importance of ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was emphasized by several delegates. It was also noted that participatory approaches, involving all relevant stakeholders in the identification of problems and feasible solutions increased the efficiency of measures, both in terms of design and implementation. C. Protection of children 68. The Chief of the Special Procedures Division at OHCHR, Jane Connors, noted that despite the comprehensive legal framework, children experienced discrimination every day, often because they were not recognized as subjects of rights. It was pointed out that no one is more vulnerable than a child when it comes to the effects of racism, discrimination and intolerance. Those pervasive and very serious violations compromised the right of children 10 GE.10-10828

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