15. International human rights law, particularly international human rights treaties,
declarations, and standards set by treaty bodies and the work of special
procedures, must be the fundamental starting point for addressing the challenges
of the future, including the challenge of securing the protection of dignity and
justice for all in the
context of migration and its social and cultural impacts.
These impacts are significant not just in countries of destination but also in
countries of origin, which often witness important demographic changes that call
for informed and concerted action to protect migrants and their families.
16. There is no “one size fits all” solution for managing the cultural diversity
resulting from migration, a highly contested and evolving reality. Human rights
and culture are not mutually exclusive. All actors, state and non-state, have a
responsibility to give due recognition to all migrants as bearers of both culture
and rights. To the extent that culture embodies similarities and difference, all
societies embody diversity and pluralism. Cultural change is constant and
migration contributes to cultural change and transformation in both countries of
origin and destination.
17. Nevertheless, a human rights approach requires recognition of cultural diversity
within the context of internationally recognized standards. The non-recognition of
cultural difference and plurality, and demands for assimilation, can result in
significant human rights violations. Prejudice and ignorance often fuel
intolerance and acts of hate toward migrants. While legislative and policy
measures are important to counter-act such attitudes, education and
awareness-building to change attitudes are vital to achieving inclusion and
acceptance.
18. The continued development of national human rights standards and the consistent
application of human rights law by the state in a context of competing cultural
identities can directly contribute to the expansion of national identity as
experienced by local stakeholders. This expanded identity brings within its scope
all ethno-cultural groups within the state’s jurisdiction, thereby contributing to the
development of social and political cohesion in emerging multicultural societies.
This expansion supports policies of cultural, economic and political justice not
only between ethno-cultural groups but also within them.
19. A comprehensive, integrated and multi-treaty approach, applying the highest
possible standards of human rights for migrant workers, including those in an
irregular situation and women migrant domestic workers, is necessary to ensure
the effective promotion and protection of the human rights of all migrants.
20. The further development of cooperative arrangements among the peoples,
governments and institutions of the Asia-Pacific to protect the rights of all
4