ADOPTING A RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH TO LABOUR MIGRATION AND PROMOTING THE PROTECTION OF MIGRANT WORKERS' RIGHTS

With its mandate on all labour issues, the ILO has built up a wealth of knowledge on migration for employment, in terms of both original research and the rich experience of its Members - governments, employers and trade unions - in dealing with migrant workers. Drawing on these unique resources, this online course offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of international labour standards protecting migrant workers and the ILO’s efforts to protect migrant workers through a rights-based approach. OBJECTIVES • Enhance the knowledge of international labour standards protecting migrant workers and the ILO supervisory mechanism; • Deepen the understanding of the necessary institutional mechanisms, policy frameworks, and coordination instruments for equal access to migrants’ rights; • Analyse the multiple discrimination migrants face in vulnerable situations, particular irregular migrants; • Become familiar with the different responses to these vulnerabilities and needs at different stages of the migration process: pre-departure, in transit, during residence and on return; • Discuss the gap between the rights migrants hold by virtue of law, and their practical implementation; • Enrich the understanding of solutions and policy measures to ensure access to justice for migrant workers. CONTENT This course is divided into three blocks focusing on the following core elements: I. International labour standards and mechanisms of control • Overview fundamental international and regional legal instruments protecting migrant workers • Key International Labour Standards relevant for protecting migrant workers • Unpacking the specific ILO instruments protecting migrant workers’ rights • Monitoring and supervisory mechanisms (including ILO supervisory system) II. Empowering vulnerable groups to enjoy their labour rights • Overview of different types of discrimination vulnerable groups face, particularly xenophobia • ILO Conventions addressing Gender Equality and their role in the protection of migrant workers rights. • Specific challenges faced by irregular migrant workers and the impact on working conditions • Protecting the Rights of Migrant Workers in an Irregular Situation and Addressing Irregular Labour Migration III. Access to Justice for migrant workers • Evaluation of existing remedies and current challenges • Monitoring mechanisms and collaboration • Judicial and quasi-judicial mechanisms • Dispute resolution mechanisms at workplace and sectoral levels ACHIEVEMENT • Complete the 6 weekly quizzes • Complete a group work • Write an individual essay