Today, many vulnerable migrants, including people who are trafficked, face unacceptable risks of death, abuse, sexual assault and exploitation. Of particular concern are gaps in the protection of children on the move, especially those separated from their parents (see our policy brief here).

Migrants, particularly those without formal legal status (irregular migrants), are often denied access to the services they need to meet their basic needs. When these services are available, many migrants avoid using them for fear of arrest.

Prolonged detention is used too often—even with extremely vulnerable populations such as children—and is an unnecessarily harsh way of controlling migration. And proposals and rulings to cut or criminalise humanitarian aid for migrants continue to be proposed.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement adopted a “Movement Call for Action on the Humanitarian Needs of Vulnerable Migrants” in November 2017. It calls on states urgently to address these issues and offers support to help them do so.

Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration

The Global for Migration was adopted in Marrakech in 2018. It is a non-binding, voluntary agreement in which states commit to objectives and actions on migration in countries of origin, transit, destination and return.

Click here for our policy brief

Click here for International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement recommendations on the Global Compact

Click here for more information on the Global Compact

The IFRC is deeply concerned about the fate of the millions of people forcibly displaced by persecution and violence, now in greater numbers than any time since World War II.

People trapped in prolonged situations of forced displacement (whether as refugees or internally displaced persons) are particularly vulnerable. It is urgent that states share international responsibility and invest in their long-term well-being.

There must also be greater investment in addressing large-scale displacement due to climate and environmental disasters. The humanitarian costs of this displacement must be a part of national, regional and global discussions on climate adaptation.