A/HRC/13/60 49. With regard to root causes of migration, John Bingham, the Head of Policy at the International Catholic Migration Commission, noted that it was important to focus on the three Ds: differences in demographics, differences in development and differences in democracy. Moreover, it was pointed out that persecution and conflicts, poverty, environmental changes, including man-made and natural disasters, and job opportunities should be also taken into consideration. The panellist emphasized that national policies were linked to migration; they also had an impact on trafficking and on the routes the migrants took. He also pointed out the importance of keeping families together. 50. Mr. Bingham noted that it was important to look at both the positive and negative aspects of migration. It was mentioned that the issues of social instability and non-cohesion both in the countries of origin and destination needed more attention and research. 51. The panellist recalled paragraph 96 of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that invites States to promote and conduct studies and noted that studies on migration should be action-oriented so that progress in the area of migration was facilitated. 52. A delegate speaking on behalf of a regional group noted that it was important to discuss the issue of displacement of migrants due to natural disasters and conflicts. Difficulties arising from the sense of insecurity of migrants and refugees were highlighted; reference was made to short-term permits. It was pointed out that the issue of resettlement needs to be addressed more extensively. The importance of effective awareness-raising initiatives was underlined. 53. A delegate stressed that migrants faced multiple forms of discrimination. The high vulnerability of women and indigenous peoples was pointed out. 54. Another delegate noted that forced displacement was a serious problem. It was also mentioned that it was important to understand how global governance could be strengthened in order to assist people more effectively. 55. Several delegates pointed out the significant role of media with regard to creating or eliminating negative stereotypes and xenophobic attitudes towards migrants and refugees. 56. A delegate provided an overview of national measures in the area of migration. Concerns with regard to conditions in detention centres were raised; it was stated that detention had to be in accordance with human rights standards, and that the respective Government did not have a detention policy for migrants. Difficulties in ensuring accurate and accessible statistics on migration were also pointed out. 57. A delegate speaking on behalf of a regional group recalled paragraph 175 of the Durban Programme of Action. The vulnerability of migrant women to trafficking was noted. The need for information campaigns, awareness-raising and human rights education was highlighted. 58. Patrick Taran, senior migration specialist at ILO, pointed out that the greatest single danger to social cohesion everywhere was the rising tide of xenophobia and violence against foreigners. It was noted that the global employment crisis, following the financial crisis, was only the beginning. Migrants tended to be among the workers most hit by economic downturns; they were often the last to be hired and the first to be fired. Many countries had reduced quotas or intake of foreign workers. Migrants remaining employed were often affected by reductions in pay, working time, and worsening working conditions. They had less access to support from the social safety net. The vulnerability of migrant workers made them attractive because they could be underpaid, provided with little or no workplace safety and health protections, hired and dismissed on a moment’s notice; furthermore, union organizing among such workers could be impossible. Migrants in irregular situations were even more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. GE.10-10828 9