PRST/27/3 Protection of the human rights of migrants at sea

GE.14-18035 (E)

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Human Rights Council Twenty-seventh session

Agenda item 1

Organizational and procedural matters

Statement by the President

PRST 27/3

Protection of the human rights of migrants at sea

At the 42nd meeting, on 26 September 2014, the President of the Human Rights

Council made the statement below:

“The Human Rights Council,

Recognizing that migrants often undertake dangerous journeys, including in

crowded and unsafe boats, and deeply concerned at the frequent recurrence of tragic

events at sea,

Alarmed at the reports of the sinking of boats, that has resulted in the death of

hundreds of people, deeply concerned at the persistent vulnerability of migrants, and

expressing grave concern at the inhuman exploitation suffered by migrants at the

hands of organized criminal groups,

Concerned that the protection of the human rights of migrants at sea

continues to pose a serious challenge and requires a holistic analysis and assessment,

as well as a concerted international response through genuine multilateral

cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination,

Underlining the important role of the Human Rights Council in the

promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including for

migrants,

1. Expresses deep sorrow at the massive loss of innocent lives of

migrants, including at sea;

2. Calls upon States to take further steps, in accordance with their

international obligations, to provide persons in distress at sea with assistance;

3. Urges States, individually and collectively, to protect the human rights

of migrants and to address the root causes that drive persons to make such dangerous

journeys;

4. Calls upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,

the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants and other relevant special

procedures of the Council, within their respective mandates, to pay particular

attention to the protection of the human rights of migrants at sea.”