Chapitre III - UNITAR

migrant is detained, of the obligations related to consular assistance
and protection.
Support to civil society institutions to promote understanding and
respect of the human rights of migrants.
b. Principle of Non-Discrimination
The principle of non-discrimination is fundamental to international law and
applies to migrants as well as to citizens, but does not prohibit all distinctions
between nationals and migrants as settled, temporary and undocumented
migrants will enjoy different rights. Distinctions, generally, are to be reasonable
in serving legitimate governmental aims pursuant to measures proportionately
linked to migration status. Implementation of applicable international
instruments that promote respect of the principle of non-discrimination
and incorporation of these standards into national legislation and practice is
an important element of effective migration policy.
Effective practices with regard to the principle of non-discrimination:
Implementation of measures to ensure the appropriate treatment of
migrants, regardless of their status, and to prevent racist or xenophobic
actions and policies and to eliminate discriminatory practices against
migrants.
Implementation of measures to ensure that non-nationals, like nationals,
are protected against discrimination based on race, religion, sex,
national origin and other protected grounds.
Adoption of measures to ensure that the physical integrity, dignity, religious
beliefs and cultural values of migrants and their families are
respected.
Promotion, in particular, of the protection of persons belonging to
minorities against unjustified discriminatory treatment.
Adoption and implementation of measures to grant to authorized longterm
migrants the same rights, protection and freedoms under national
and international law as other citizens, permanent residents or persons
lawfully present in the country.
c. Principle of Non-Refoulement
The principle of non-refoulement in international refugee law prohibits the
return of a refugee to a country where his or her life or freedom would be
threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of
Human Rights of Migrants
Chapter 3
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