Social Justice in an Open World: The Role of the United Nations
What are the reasons for the negative image of international migration and international migrants in the modern world? Why are the economic advantages of international migration for both receiving and sending countries given so little recognition? What role have the current difficulties in the world economy played in international migration and perceptions of migrants? To what extent does the present international climate of violent conflict, uncertainty and insecurity also play a role in these contexts? Do the current classifications of "persons on the move" as legal and illegal migrant workers, asylum-seekers, refugees and internally displaced persons adequately capture the reality of migratory movements at the beginning of this twenty-first century? In terms of public perception, international migrants are either "accepted" or "rejected" based on income level, race, appearance and skill. What sort of education and information would be needed to help counter this tendency, which both reflects and adds to the inequalities characterizing the contemporary world? Topic 2: Ascertaining the social conditions of international migrants For the fortunate migrants, living conditions might be slightly difficult at first, but problems are experienced with the almost certain knowledge that they are temporary and with the comfortable feeling that the essentials of life will always be available. Family and business connections are built and maintained through a variety of personal, professional, financial and other networks. It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between these "middle- and upper-class" international migrants and the new cosmopolitan elites who are active, mobile participants in the process of globalization and are frequently "migrating" rather than seeking permanent settlement in any particular country. Nonetheless, in times of insecurity there is often a resurgence of suspicion and prejudice based on appearance, race or religion, and belonging to a privileged social class does not necessarily ensure protection or the enjoyment of one's basic rights. The victims in migratory movements across borders are generally not even aware that they, like all other human beings, are entitled to a number of rights. Whether they are forced to leave their homes or are attempting to escape poverty or persecution, they often have no choice but to rely on smugglers, who are sometimes criminal traffickers, to reach the countries where they hope, often in vain, to find work and support. A number of them languish in countries of transit. Some are expelled. Some are detained. Some die in trucks or boats under conditions reminiscent of the slave trade. If they manage to become illegal immigrants, they are at great risk of being exploited by unscrupulous and abusive employers. The sexual ex-