Population, territory and sustainable development

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C. THE POLITICAL CONTEXT AND MOBILITY IN BORDERLANDS
Policies relating to the migrant population are very dispersed, which makes it difficult to ensure full
respect for this group’s rights. The problem is all the more worrying given that border areas are often far
from the centres of political power and that rising criminality places migrants at risk of smuggling and
trafficking, forced or unwilling involvement in the sex trade, violence against women or forced
displacement. Legal instruments under international law have started to recognize these migration issues,
while national legislations have progressively been adopting international standards, albeit not at the same
pace or in the same depth. Migration policies have been introduced in regional integration schemes and
binational cooperation mechanisms primarily for the purpose of regulating migration flows and providing
health care. Nevertheless, the main obstacle is the lack of coordination with local governments and the
traditional weakness of the State in border regions.
International organizations have played an important role in addressing migration issues and
drawing attention to the vulnerability of migrants. First, they have built awareness of migrants’ human
rights issues through research, held negotiations with Governments to encourage them to incorporate the
principles of international law in their national legislations and sought to ensure respect for human rights
in border areas. They have also provided technical support to Governments in the implementation of
policies and strategies and have undertaken specific actions in favour of migrant populations.
Since no two border situations are the same, while local resources are scarce and institutions in
most cases are precarious, civil society organizations have emerged as another key actor in monitoring
respect for the human rights of migrants. In the absence of public policies, these organizations are often
the only support network available to migrants. This affords these organizations great legitimacy and
enables them to speak out, act as interlocutors and claim rights on behalf of the migrant population.
The involvement and complementarities of these three types of organization (international
organizations, civil society organizations and Governments) in monitoring migrants’ rights suggest that
cooperation forums would be useful in guaranteeing the rights of border migrants.
D. OUTLOOK FOR RESEARCH AND POLICY FOR BORDER AREAS:
THE CASE OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
As indicated in studies on the five borders mentioned above, the lack of statistical data and of studies and
research makes it imperative to continue to deepen knowledge and analysis of the sociodemographic
characteristics of border migrant populations. It is also necessary to promote the generation and
production of quantitative and qualitative information concerning issues such as access by border
populations to sexual and reproductive health care, and the problem of gender-related violence and other
phenomena that affect primarily women, indigenous peoples and other potentially disadvantaged groups.
Such information may be obtained by upgrading existing instruments or carrying out ad hoc surveys and
studies designed to investigate the needs of such populations. More specific research will be needed into
the link between vulnerability, migration and violence, especially as regards gender, generational and
ethnic considerations.