A/HRC/32/40
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
4 May 2016
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Thirty-second session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights
of migrants on the impact of bilateral and multilateral trade
agreements on the human rights of migrants
Note by the Secretariat
The Secretariat has the honour to transmit the report of the Special Rapporteur on
the human rights of migrants, prepared pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 17/12.
In it, the Special Rapporteur expresses concern that, while trade liberalization has led to
economic growth and social welfare generally, such progress has sometimes come at the
expense of the human rights of migrants. Trade is not inherently negative, but the power
imbalances, protectionism and national interests that influence the global economy have
resulted in trade systems that exacerbate the precariousness of low-wage migrant workers
and directly and systematically infringe upon their human rights. Facilitated and wellregulated mobility that is supported by comprehensive and robust institutional frameworks
is necessary to ensure inclusivity and equity in the enjoyment of the benefits of trade for all
migrants. In the report, the Special Rapporteur seeks to offer States practical guidance and
engage international organizations, the private sector, trade unions and other civil society
entities in the full realization of migrants’ rights.
GE.16-07271(E)