Women's Human Rights Resources Database

This database lists hundreds of resources -- articles, documents and links -- related to international women's rights law and Canadian women's rights law. Annotations describe the content of each resource. Users can search by keyword and author as well as browse by women's rights topic. Full-text documents or links to full-text documents are provided where available.
Search Results for content type Document categorized with Migration
Advisory Opinion on Select Articles of the 1951 Refugee Convention
This web page provides an advisory opinion by Guy S. Goodwin-Gill on the interpretation of Articles 25, 27, 28 of 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. These articles deal with the rights of refugees who do not have identity documents required to obtain landed (permanent resident) status. The report considers relevant international law standards, the background and scope of the above articles, an overview of current Canadian law and practice and how these relate to international standards. It concludes with a number of recommendations. A full list of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee Comments on Canada's refugee policies can also be viewed. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Unprotected: Gender-Based Violence Against Venezuelan Refugee Women in Colombia and Peru , Amnesty International
This report analyzes the forms of violence Venezuelan women refugees face in Columbia and Peru, especially in public spaces, at home, and at work. Further, the report highlights that Venezuelan women refugees residing in Columbia and Peru are denied access to health and justice services due to stereotypes about their gender, nationality, and gender identity. Thus, they experience new forms of violence and discrimination when attempting to file a justice service or health complaint. The goal of this report is to bring these issues to light and hold Columbian and Peruvian authorities accountable for their failure to support Venezuelan women’s rights to a life free from gender-based violence and discrimination. 

 

Trafficking in Women, Forced Labour and Domestic Work: In the Context of the Middle East and Gulf Region , Anti-Slavery International
This paper analyzes the plight of women migrant domestic workers in the Middle East and the Gulf Region. The study begins by examining push and pull factors that contribute to the vulnerability of women migrants, including gendered aspects of migration and labour. An assessment of national laws and their provisions for migrant domestic workers is also provided. The second half of the report looks at strategies to mitigate rights violations, prevent trafficking and protect victims. The report concludes with a set of recommendations for IGOs, NGOs, governments and academics in the region. Personal narratives throughout the report illustrate the lack of protection and justice afforded to women migrant domestic workers. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, International - Asia]

 

Combating Trafficking of Women and Children in South Asia: Regional Synthesis Paper for Bangladesh, India and Nepal , Asian Development Bank
As the Asian Development Bank recognizes the detrimental effect of trafficking upon development, it presents this regional synthesis paper in order to examine what role it can play in eradicating trafficking in South Asia. The paper begins by analyzing the concept of trafficking and the nature of trafficking in South Asia. Based on empirical studies, the paper then looks at the underlying factors that perpetuate the trafficking and exploitation of women and girls in the region. The legal framework of trafficking and regional and national initiatives against trafficking are also analyzed. It ends with a series of recommendations and proposed initiatives for the Asian Development Bank. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International - Asia]

 

Bastow, Karen , Trafficking in Women: A Critical Analysis of the Legal Framework Governing Immigrant Live-In Caregivers and Mail-Order Brides
This extensive report focuses on two groups of women migrants in Canada: live-in caregivers and mail-order brides. The analysis of the live-in caregivers program outlines policy rationales for the historical development of this program and identifies potential amendments to existing legislation to better protect the rights of these women. In assessing the status of mail-order brides, the report reviews the complex legal framework which governs this form of migration. The report uses a feminist analytical framework to demonstrate how the apparently neutral legislation governing these types of migration results in significant human rights violations. The authors conclude by advocating for both domestic and international action to better protect the rights of these women migrants. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, Canada]

 

Sánchez-Garzoli, Gimena , Selected Bibliography on the Global Crisis of Internal Displacement , Brookings-CUNY Project on Internal Displacement
This bibliography comprehensively outlines resources relating to internally displaced persons. The bibliography covers basic texts; web resources; "early writings" on internal displacement; the legal framework; protection strategies; the institutional framework of the involved international, regional, national, and nongovernmental organizations; and "vulnerable groups", including women. Nearly three full pages are devoted to women (the other vulnerable groups being children and the elderly), and this section, beginning on page 22, covers both general and regionally-specific sources.

 

Thomas, Dorothy Q. , International Conference on Refugee Women Fleeing Gender-Based Persecution , Canadian Council for Refugees
This publication is a compilation of workshop proceedings and papers presented at the Canadian Council for Refugees' International Conference on Refugee Women Fleeing Gender-Based Persecution held in Montreal in May 2001 (full conference proceedings can be ordered from the Canadian Council for Refugees). The conference examined recent developments which have begun to address the obstacles for women claiming refugee status on the grounds of gender-based persecution. Emerging legal standards and proposals for reforms discussed at the conference included granting asylum in cases of persecution by private actors when states do not afford victims adequate protection and addressing the cultural barriers that hinder successful asylum claims by women. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Dickens, Bernard M., Cook, Rebecca J. , Canada's Failure to Act: Women's Inequality Deepens , Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action
This report addresses the accountability of the Canadian government to the commitments made under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The report notes the particular vulnerability of immigrant and refugee women and critiques amendments to immigration legislation under Bill C-11 as failing to fully recognize Canada's international legal obligations to protect these women. The report reviews specific categories of immigrants and identifies areas in which the legislation has negative impacts upon women. The report also addresses concerns over the detention of refugees and illegal immigrants and issues of trafficking. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, CEDAW Convention, Canada]

 

Bahdi, Reem , Displaced and Disregarded: Refugees and their Reproductive Rights , Center for Reproductive Rights
This paper begins with a discussion of the extent to which the reproductive health of women refugees and internally displaced persons is threatened by their vulnerable situation, including the risk of sexual coercion and the lack of access to reproductive health care. The paper then moves to consider the relevant legal and policy framework for the protection of these populations. The paper explicitly identifies the relevant human rights provisions and provides the text from international and regional treaties and conventions which protect these rights. In conclusion, the paper states that the right to reproductive self-determination is critical for the protection of refugee women. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Freedman, L.P. , Submission to the House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, Canada , Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Canada
This submission addresses Bill C-11 which proposed changes to Canada's immigration legislation and focuses on the extent to which these changes can protect the rights of women who have been trafficked. The report begins with a review of the international legal framework governing trafficking in women and outlines Canada's international legal obligations. The report then turns to the specific elements of the legislation and advocates an explicit inclusion of Canada's international human rights obligations and an increased recognition of the vulnerability of women to trafficking exploitation. The conclusion of the paper summarizes the key recommendations to increase protection for victims of trafficking in Canada. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, Canada]

 

Comment on "Not Just Numbers: A Canadian Framework for Future Immigration"
This comment by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) addresses the above-titled report prepared by the Immigration Legislative Review Advisory Group (ILRAG). The March 1998 report takes a critical look at Canada's immigration objectives, legislation and policy. This comment looks particularly at ILRAG's recommendations regarding refugees and assesses these proposals in relation to international human rights standards, and "best practices" by States. The comment deals with the following areas of concern: (1) access to refugee status determination procedures, (2) treatment pending status determination, (3) status determination procedures, (4) criteria for protection, (5) appeal from a negative determination, and (6) the status and rights of recognized refugees. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, Canada]

 

Comment on the Right of Appeal from Refugee Status Determination Hearings
Given that refused refugees may be returned to a country where they face persecution, this document addresses the proposal to allow a right of appeal from refugee status decisions in Canada. The comment maintains that the absence of an appeal to determine the merits of a first instance decision undermines Canada's reputation as a global leader in its refugee determination procedures and practices. The comment makes various recommendations, including a proposal for a written appeal process within the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and the consolidation of various procedural steps in order to streamline services, enhance efficiency and maintain fairness. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, Canada]

 

Compilation and Analysis of Legal Norms
The compilation and analysis of legal norms relevant to internally displaced persons aims to restate obligations under existing international human rights and humanitarian law and to identify areas where existing international law does not respond adequately to the protection and assistance needs of internally displaced persons. Section 6 of the report focuses on gender-specific violence facing displaced persons and comprehensively reviews the international legal instruments relevant to the protection of women from gender-based violence. This report formed the basis for the development of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees
The Refugee Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly on April 22, 1954 and entered into force on December 14, 1954. The Refugee Convetion is the primary international document that defines who is a refugee and that sets out their rights for asylum protection. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons
This Convention addresses the protection of rights of individuals who are not considered nationals of any one state. The Convention outlines the status which such persons shall receive in regards to various issues including property, employment and access to the judicial system. The rights of having the work of women recognized is specifically addressed. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Cook, Rebecca J., Dickens, Bernard M., Horga, M. , Sponsorship. . . For Better or For Worse: The Impact of Sponsorship on the Equality Rights of Immigrant Women
This report reviews the provisions in Canadian immigration legislation which address family reunification by allowing immigration to Canada through sponsorship by a relative. The report acknowledges a difficulty in balancing the importance of family reunification with protection of women who are potentially vulnerable to abusive spouses. The report reviews the legal framework governing the sponsorship system and assesses the extent to which this framework limits the equality rights of migrant women. The report uses an international human rights framework to assess the impact of this system on women, particularly their vulnerability to violence and violations of their economic and social rights. The report includes recommendations for legislative changes to better protect women's rights. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, Canada]

 

Coontz, Phyllis, Griebel, Catherine , International Approaches to Human Trafficking: The Call for a Gender Sensitive Perspective in International Law
This document discusses human trafficking and various international anti-trafficking laws, focusing on the UN Trafficking Protocol. It begins by providing a background of human trafficking, debates concerning its definition and the impact of these differing opinions on the treatment of trafficking under international law. The authors then compare the treatment of women under CEDAW and the Trafficking Protocol. They conclude that while CEDAW aims to achieve equality between women and men, the Trafficking Protocol prioritizes law enforcement and fails to address the demand side of trafficking as well as the structural economic inequalities that fuel trafficking of women. They argue that in order for anti-trafficking strategies to be effective, the Trafficking Protocol must focus on the rights and needs of women. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International]

 

Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and its Explanatory Report , Council of Europe
Taking the UN Trafficking Protocol as its starting point, this 2005 Council of Europe Convention seeks to strengthen the protection afforded by other international legal instruments for trafficked persons. Using the UN definition of human trafficking, the Convention highlights the safeguarding and protection of human rights and human dignity as one of its primary concerns. As it seeks a proper balance between human rights issues and prosecution of traffickers, the Convention discusses matters such as gender equality and measures to protect and promote rights of victims; as well as substantial criminal law, procedural law, investigation and prosecution. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International - Europe].

 

Declaration on the Human Rights of Individuals Who are not Nationals of the Country in which They Live
This declaration is based on the idea that the fundamental rights of individuals should be protected even within countries of which they are not nationals. The rights of women are specifically highlighted in ensuring fair and equal treatment within employment. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Edwards, Alice , Displacement, Statelessness, and Questions of Gender Equality and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
This article demonstrates how CEDAW can be used to protect displaced and stateless women and girls who are vulnerable to violence and discrimination. The article provides an overview of the role of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and describes the structures in place that support it in this role. The article discusses the lack of formal structures supporting the UNHCR in its function of overseeing implementation of statelessness conventions. The article suggests that CEDAW can be used to complement the role of the UNHCR by monitoring the implementation of human rights obligations in respect of displaced and stateless women.

 

Gender Based Persecution as a Basis for Asylum: An Annotated Bibliography
The author notes that asylum has been extended in United States law to include some gender-based treatment, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), viewed as a type of persecution. The author points out that despite references to international norms suggesting what constitutes a refugee and the criteria of a "well-founded fear of persecution," US law has not moved beyond FGM to view general gender-based persecution as a ground for asylum. The author suggests that even this basis for asylum arose when American society "found it so outrageous as to criminalize it domestically." This extensive bibliography is itself a collection of annotations of recent literature from American and English secondary sources concerning the direction of US legislation and asylum case-law. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International - North America]

 

Annotated Guide to the Complete UN Trafficking Protocol (Palermo Protocol) , Global Rights, Partners for Justice
This guide aims "to assist advocates in the development of a human rights framework for national anti-trafficking laws and policies". It combines into one document relevant portions of the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime; the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children; and the Interpretative Notes to the Trafficking Protocol. A background to these three UN documents as well as a short discussion comparing the law enforcement approach and the human rights approach to human trafficking are also provided in the Introduction. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International]

 

Guidelines on the Protection of Refugee Women
The purpose of the guidelines is to identify some of the specific protection issues facing refugee women. The document focuses on the variety of mechanisms needed to achieve protection of refugee women, including the international legal framework. The guidelines address both the physical security problems and legal protection problems faced by refugee women. Under legal issues, there is a discussion of the lack of inclusion of gender within the 1951 Refugee Convention and a recommendation that governments recognize gender-related persecution as falling within the particular social group category. Also contained in the guidelines are many practical recommendations for increasing the protection of refugee women. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement
In 1992, at the request of the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Secretary- General of the United Nations appointed a Special Representative to study the causes and consequences of internal displacement and the legal regimes which provided protection to this population. The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement are the culmination of this research and consist of 30 principles based on international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law which outlined the rights of internally displaced persons. Some of the special needs of displaced women are identified within these guidelines. For example, Principle 19(2) provides that "special attention should be paid to the health needs of women, including access to female health care providers and services, such as reproductive health care, as well as appropriate counselling for victims of sexual and other abuses". [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Handbook on the Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status under the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol on the Status of Refugees
This Handbook produced by UNHCR is a comprehensive resource for interpreting the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Additional Protocol. The document focuses primarily on the strict legal interpretation and reviews each article of the Convention and the Protocol. Although there are limited specific references to women, the Handbook is a useful tool and can be used in conjunction with the Guidelines on the Protection of Refugee Women. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Huda, Sigma , Integration of the Human Rights of Women and a Gender Perspective: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Aspects of the Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children
This report by the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Aspects of the Victims of Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, argues for greater focus on the human rights of women in combating sex trafficking. The report begins by briefly discussing the Special Rapporteur's activities throughout 2005. Section II focuses on the relationship between trafficking and the demand for commercial sexual exploitation. Discussions on the definition of trafficking in the UN Trafficking Protocol and the concept of demand are also included. The report ends with the Special Rapporteur's conclusions and recommendations on a variety of issues related to sex trafficking. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International]

 

Help Wanted: Abuses against Female Migrant Domestic Workers in Indonesia and Malaysia , Human Rights Watch
This report discusses the situation of Indonesian female migrant domestic workers in Malaysia. It describes the human rights violations of workers by recruiters as well as workplace abuses by employers. The report also highlights some of the failures to provide protection of migrant workers' rights by both the Indonesian and Malaysian governments. Domestic and international laws are also examined in order to determine the extent to which both Southeast Asian governments have addressed these human rights violations. The report concludes that both governments have failed to uphold their international human rights obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and urges ratification of other relevant treaties. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, International - Asia]

 

Hidden in the Home: Abuse of Domestic Workers with Special Visas in the United States , Human Rights Watch
This report discusses the exploitation, abuse and humiliation suffered by women migrant domestic workers in the United States. It begins by providing a background to the situation of migrant domestic workers in the US. Using case studies, the report then analyzes the vulnerabilities of live-in migrant domestic workers to human rights violations. An assessment of US laws and policies regarding special domestic workers visas is then provided; the report argues that the US has failed to adequately protect and ensure access to justice for migrant domestic workers. It ends with a series of recommendations. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, International - North America]

 

Women Refugee Claimants Fearing Gender-Related Persecution: Guidelines Issued by the Chairperson Pursuant to Section 65(3) of the Immigration Act , Immigration and Refugee Board (Canada)
These Guidelines issued by the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board are often cited as the first explicit governmental recognition that persecution on account of gender is a valid ground on which to claim refugee status. The guidelines emphasize that for these claims to be accepted a link must be made between gender and the feared persecution and that these claims are still assessed on an individual basis. There are several items of note within the Guidelines including that persecution on account of gender can occur as a result of both public and private action and that sub-groups of women could also be considered as persecuted groups. The Guidelines also review some of the evidentiary issues in these types of claims and provide recommendations for how to best recognize the social and political circumstances of these women. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, Canada]

 

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 1990 and entered into force on July 1, 2003. The purpose of the Convention is to protect the rights of migrant workers who are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse due to their uncertain status in the country in which they are working. Although women are not mentioned specifically within the Convention, the Convention does recognize the principles within the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. The Convention establishes a set of binding international standards that concern the treatment, welfare and basic rights of all migrants, both documented and undocumented, in addition to the obligations and responsibilities to which the States that send and receive migrants must adhere. [Descriptors: Key Treaties and Texts, Migration - Labour Migration, International]

 

Convention concerning Migration for Employment , International Labour Organization
Adopted by the General Conference of the International Labour Organization on July 1, 1949, this ILO Convention entered into force on January 22, 1952. The Convention affirms the rights of individuals who migrate for employment and the obligations of sending and receiving governments. While the provisions do not apply specifically to women migrant workers, they cover a range of issues that are relevant to women who migrate for employment including misleading immigration and emigration propaganda, provision of medical care, discrimination in the labour market, injuries and illnesses, and remittances. Also annexed to the Convention are provisions dealing with the recruitment, placement and conditions of labour migrants recruited via non-government and government schemes, as well as provisions related to the movement of migrants' personal belongings, tools and equipment. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, International]

 

Convention Concerning Migrations in Abusive Conditions and the Promotion of Equality of Opportunity and Treatment of Migrant Workers , International Labour Organization
This Convention was adopted by the General Conference of the International Labour Organization on June 24, 1975 and entered into force on December 9, 1978. While the provisions do not apply specifically to women migrant workers, they are relevant to women who migrate for employment. Part I of the Convention recognizes and seeks to prevent abuse of migrant workers, namely by suppressing clandestine movement for employment and illegal employment. Part II of the Convention affirms migrant workers' rights to equal opportunity and treatment relating to employment and occupation, social security, trade unions and cultural rights, and individual and collective freedoms. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, International]

 

Getting at the Roots: Stopping Exploitation of Migrant Workers by Organized Crime , International Labour Organization
This paper looks at the exploitation of migrant workers by organized crime in the larger context of labour migration and regulation. It begins by discussing push and pull factors including the demand for cheap labour in destination countries, lack of employment security in origin countries, poverty and the loss of traditional economies and societies. The second section examines various dimensions of the exploitation of migrant workers including immigration policies, labour standards and gender. The third section provides an overview of trafficking for forced labour in different regions. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, International]

 

Part II: Feminism in International Law: Committee Report , International Law Association Committee on Feminism and International Law
This Report forms part of a series of four Reports on various aspects of women and migration. The report continues the work on trafficking introduced in the 2004 Berlin Interim Report. The main focus of the report is on the legal framework of women's international labor migration. The author references the Workers Convention, international human rights and labor law conventions. The Report discusses the legal and gendered aspects of of female migrant workers' mobility in relation to their migration status, and advocates for a rights based approach to international migration.

 

Fertile Fields: Trafficking in Persons in Central Asia , International Organization for Migration
This paper discusses trafficking in Central Asia. It begins by describing the social, political and economic conditions that fuel trafficking in the region. An overview of trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation and the differences between trafficking and smuggling are then discussed. The paper also discusses definitional debates and the blurry line between trafficking and other forms of irregular migration that involve exploitation and human rights violations. The author questions "whether the UN intended the [trafficking] definition to be read in a narrow way [&] or whether it was intended as an inclusive definition capable of capturing a diversity of contexts". Advocating an approach that combines prosecution, protection and prevention, the author concludes that separate elements of trafficking should be criminalized in order to ensure that rights violations related to irregular migrations other than trafficking are recognized. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International]

 

Apap, Joanna, Medved, Felicita , Protection Schemes for Victims of Trafficking in Selected EU Member Countries, Candidate and Third Countries, International Organization for Migration , International Organization for Migration
This report was prepared for the Seminar on Exchange of Information and Best Practices Regarding Protection Schemes for Victims of Trafficking in Selected EU Member Countries, Candidates and Third Countries held in Madrid in 2002. The authors argue that current European anti-trafficking measures fail to prioritize the rights of victims of trafficking and overemphasize the needs of law enforcement. They recommend that a successful response to trafficking involves a combination of prevention, prosecution of traffickers and protection of victims' human rights. The report begins by looking at concepts and definitions of trafficking. Victim protection schemes and legislative responses of ten European countries are then examined. The report concludes with a set of recommendations. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International - Europe]

 

Intersecting Protections, Migrating Women: Using Human Rights Law to Empower Women Migrant Workers
The focus of this paper is the exploitation of migrant domestic workers and the necessity of looking for protection mechanisms beyond the new Migrant Worker's Convention. The paper begins with an examination of the movement of women workers globally. In looking to the needs of women migrant workers, the paper argues that an intersectionality approach would be appropriate for recognizing the impacts of gender, race and ethnicity. As such, the protection of women, workers, and migrants as separate regimes could be utilized to assist women migrant workers in seeking protection under existing human rights norms. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, International

 

Tastsoglou, Evangelia, Preston, Valerie , Gender, Immigration and Labour Market Integration: Where We Are and What We Still Need to Know , Joint Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement
This short paper discusses the relationship between gender, migration and the Canadian labour market with the aim of advancing theoretical conceptions of migrant women's involvement in the labour market. It begins by outlining a conceptual framework for integration and labour market integration from an equity and feminist perspective. The authors critique current understandings of migrant women's involvement in paid employment, arguing that "alternative ways of assessing the economic and labour market integration of immigrant women must be devised". The authors seek measures that recognize and capture the unequal treatment and discrimination against immigrant women in the labour market. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration, Canada]

 

Zimmerman, Cathy , The Health Risks and Consequences of Trafficking Women and Adolescents: Findings from a European Study including Human Rights Analysis of Health and Trafficking and Principles for Promoting the Health Rights of Trafficked Women , London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Based largely on interviews with trafficked women, health care providers, NGOs, law enforcement officers and policymakers, this study focuses on the health risks, consequences and barriers of trafficked women in order to assess the impact of trafficking on womens physical, mental, reproductive, social and economic well-being. It examines the effect of trafficking on various aspects of womens health and human dignity at each stage of trafficking from pre-departure to integration/re-integration into society. It ends with a human rights analysis of health and trafficking, focusing on the right to health and international treaties that protect this right. The report also recommends a set of principles that promote the health rights of trafficked women. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International]

 

Yamin, Alicia Ely , Brief on the Proposed Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Bill C-11) Submitted to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration , National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL)
This brief uses a human rights approach to analyze the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of 2001. One of the key recommendations within the report is the necessity of a gender-based analysis of the particular changes to the law. As well, the report notes that the new legislation fails to incorporate many of the regional and international human rights treaties to which Canada is a signatory. Areas of immigration law discussed in the report include family class, sponsorship regime, humanitarian and compassionate considerations, gender-based persecution, and human trafficking. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, Canada]

 

Phinney, Alison , Trafficking of Women and Children for Sexual Exploitation in the Americas , Pan-American Health Organization
This paper discusses the sex trafficking of women and children in the Americas. Using a human rights framework, the author begins by analyzing the demand and supply sides of trafficking for sexual exploitation, as well as the impunity with which traffickers are treated. She argues that these three factors allow for the growth of the trafficking industry: "the resulting environment allows high profits at low risk for the traffickers, but with serious health risks and human rights violations for the victims". Human rights violations and the impact on women's health are also discussed. The paper ends with an assessment of international law and the effectiveness of their protection. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International - Latin America]

 

The New Frontier for Filipino Mail-Order Brides , Philippine Women Centre of B.C.
This community-based research paper seeks to document the situation of Filipino mail-order brides in Canada. The paper begins with a short literature review and then examines the global and historical context of the migration of Filipino women to Canada, documenting the experiences of Filipino women in Canada and other countries. Personal experiences of Filipino mail-order brides in Canada are also recounted. The study covers numerous issues faced by Filipino mail-order brides including abuse, deception, isolation, de-skilling, stereotypes of Asian women, disempowerment, and assertion and resistance. The paper concludes with policy recommendations in the areas of immigration, violence against women and trafficking of women, women's economic situation, human rights and legal systems. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, Canada]

 

Progress Report on The Implementation of the UNHCR Guidelines on the Protection of Refugee Women
This review of the immediate implementation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees guidelines contains detailed information on the practical implementation of these guidelines within refugee populations. Under legal concerns, the report identifies that women are often unable to claim refugee status independent from their husbands, leading to significant obstacles for women claiming refugee status. There is also a discussion about the lack of legal frameworks within the refugee camps which leads to protection concerns for refugee women. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees
This protocol amends the definition of refugee under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. The Protocol also encourages cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to ensure that the rights of refugees are protected. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Refugees: Human Rights Have No Borders
"This comprehensive report offers an overview of current refugees issues worldwide, background information on international refugee and human rights law, a wide variety of well-researched case histories and key arguments for refugee advocates". Although this report is from 1997, it still provides a good introduction to refugee issues. Amnesty identifies in its conclusions that the refugee crisis cannot be solved unless human rights are respected and calls on governments to fulfill their human rights obligations under international law. The report also recognizes the different challenges facing refugee women, particularly if fleeing violence from within the home. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
In 1999, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights appointed a Special Rapporteur to examine means for protecting the human rights of migrants. The 2005 edition of the subsequent annual reports of the Special Rapporteur reviews the progress achieved and the activities undertaken within this mandate. Part II of the report contains a specific focus on migrant women and unaccompanied minors. Some of the particular issues reviewed are the conditions of migrant women employed in domestic service and violence against migrant women. The report also points to the need for better information about the specific problems of migrant women. [Descriptors: Migration - Refugees and Immigration, International]

 

Resolution 54/166: Protection of Migrants
This United Nations General Assembly Resolution, which was adopted 24 February 2000, requests States to protect migrants' human rights; strongly condemns racial discrimination and xenophobia with regard to access to employment, housing, schooling, and services; calls upon States to ensure that immigration policies do not discriminate against migrants; reiterates the need for States to protect the human rights of migrants (especially for women and children); and encourages States to enact criminal legislation to combat the international trafficking of migrants. [Desciptors: Migration -Labour Migration, Refugees and Immigration, Trafficking]

 

Resolution on violence against women migrant workers
This United Nations resolution calls upon governments to impose penal sanctions on perpetrators of violence against women migrant workers and to provide assistance to victims. It also invites states to consider adopting legal measures to deal with the clandestine movement of workers and the exploitation of women migrant workers, and encourages states to consider signing and ratifying or acceding to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (which entered into force on July 1, 2003) as well as the Slavery Convention. This resolution also covers other broad interests of women migrant workers. [Descriptors: Migration - Labour Migration]

 

Bruckert, Christine, Parent, Colette , Trafficking in Human Beings and Organized Crime: A Literature Review , Royal Canadian Mounted Police
This paper seeks to provide an overview of key issues related to trafficking and identify areas for future research, with a special focus on trafficking in Canada. The authors begin by discussing the debates over the trafficking definition and examining various theoretical perspectives on trafficking. They then analyze the role of organized crime and look at legislative responses, noting governments tendency to focus on the organized crime aspect. Although this paper does not focus specifically on women, it notes the growth in the feminization of international migration and the disproportionate impact of trafficking on women and girls. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, Canada]

 

Sanchis, Norma , Globalization, Trade and Trafficking in Women in Latin America
This paper discusses trafficking of women in Latin America in the context of economic globalization. The author begins by providing the context for trafficking of women in the region and discusses the relationship between neoliberalism, economic globalization and trafficking. Conditions that enable and perpetuate trafficking are also examined as the author uses a value chain framework to analyze the key actors and conditions that make women vulnerable to trafficking in Latin American. Families and communities, recruitment agencies, trafficking networks and demand for trafficked women are identified as links in this trafficking chain. The author concludes with a set of recommendations and by emphasizing the need for more research on trafficking women in Latin America. [Descriptors: Migration - Trafficking, International - Latin America]

 

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