Key messages:

Present-day cross-border migration is a complex phenomenon that increasingly challenges governments, civil society and humanitarian organizations, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Migration has both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, for instance, many migrants live success stories. Migration can contribute to a transfer of resources, skills and knowledge. It can bring economic benefits to countries of destination and supplement the resources of migrants' families in countries of origin. On the negative side, migrants may face marginalization, exclusion or discrimination and some of them, especially those in irregular situations, may become victims of abuse or exploitation.

The Movement is concerned about the increasing vulnerability of migrants and their marginalization from society. Its main aim is to ensure that their humanitarian needs are met – from food and shelter, to advice and counselling.

Many National Societies are able to assist vulnerable people during the course of their migration – and sometimes their families at home – because they are present at community level in migrants' countries of origin, transit and destination. This enables Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers to reach out to vulnerable migrants, and provide them with assistance and support, in line with the Fundamental Principles of the Movement.

The ICRC and the International Federation lend support to National Societies based on their respective fields of expertise. The International Federation works with National Societies to help them build networks among themselves and with other organizations to assist migrants. The International Federation’s role includes capacity building, especially at local level, and the mobilization of community support for migrants, irrespective of their legal status. The ICRC has a specific role and responsibility in the field of protection. As coordinator and technical adviser in the field of restoring family links, the ICRC can provide technical services to National Societies on matters including the disappearance of migrants and the management of human remains. It can also advise National Societies wishing to help detained migrants.

The situation that migrants face – especially irregular migrants – is a challenge for all of us. The Movement's components have common, universal principles for addressing the migration issue, supporting each other and cooperating through networks of solidarity. However, the response to the problem varies from country to country.

Key facts on international migration:

There is no internationally accepted, legally binding definition of the term "migrant". However, a number of international and national legal instruments do apply to migrants.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is especially concerned about migrants uprooted by economic and social hardship, often associated with political instability or armed conflict.

An increasing number of people are on the move today and patterns of migration are changing. According to the International Organization for Migration, there are now about 192 million people living outside their country of birth, or around three per cent of the world's population. It is estimated that half of them are women and that 20 per cent have no legal status.

Migrants without documents, visas or work permits may suffer abuse, trafficking and prostitution. Those in need of humanitarian support and assistance are often women, children, the sick and the elderly, and the victims of exploitation and violence.

Migrants in irregular situations are sometimes detained in a host or transit country and deprived of their freedom for long periods of time, with no access to legal counsel or representation. They may also be forcibly returned, without due consideration for their need for protection and their right to seek asylum.

With support from the International Federation, some Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are actively involved in bringing vital aid to vulnerable migrants and in defending their rights.

At the 7th European Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference in May 2007, 50 European National Societies reasserted their right to access all people in need, regardless of their legal status. They also reaffirmed their commitment to protect, assist and support vulnerable migrants.