The role of the United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights of migrants

The position of Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants was esta blished in 1999 by the Commission on Human Rights. During the short period since her appointment, the Special Rapporteur has d irected her attention to examining ways and means to overcome obstacles imp eding the full and effective protection of the human rights of migrants, an d also examining difficulties for the return of migrants who are undocument ed or in irregular situations. This schedule has involved visits to governments and the dissemination of i nformation on the legal framework and aspects of the mandate designed to ex plain the complexity of migration. The Special Rapporteur calls for increased efforts to ensure success of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Rel ated Intolerance, to be held in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. She also enc ourages those governments which have not yet ratified the International Con vention to take the necessary steps.