Guidelines to Protect Migrants in Countries Experiencing Conflict or Natural Disaster

Through a broad and inclusive consultative process held in 2015-2016, the MICIC Initiative developed Guidelines to Protect Migrants in Countries Experiencing Conflict or Natural Disaster (The Guidelines). The Guidelines apply to situations in which migrants are present in a country experiencing a conflict or natural disaster. They provide concrete and practical guidance to stakeholders at the local, national, regional, and international levels on how to prepare for and respond to crises in ways that protect and empower migrants, leverage their capacities, and help migrants and communities recover from crises. The Guidelines address the full cycle of crises – crisis preparedness, emergency response, and post-crisis action.

The Guidelines provide guidance for different stakeholders 

States bear the primary responsibility for assisting and protecting migrants. The Guidelines address roles and responsibilities of host States, States of origin, and States of transit.

Private sector actors make significant contributions as providers of services. Employers and recruiters play an important role in protecting their migrant workers before, during, and after crises.

Civil society actors are among the first responders and migrant advocates and allies. They can be a critical bridge between governments and migrant communities.

International organizations provide direct assistance to migrants and their communities, as well as crucial support to States and other stakeholders.

 
The Guidelines comprise principles, guidelines, and practices 

The ten principles are fundamental, cross-cutting precepts, drawn in some instances from international law. The principles are intended to inform, underpin, and guide all actions to protect migrants.

The fifteen guidelines are targeted suggestions, organized by crisis phase and theme, that identify in broad terms the types of actions needed to better protect migrants.

The practices are a selection of examples that illustrate ways in which each stakeholder can implement the guidelines. They are based on existing practices as well as recommendations and can be adapted to suit particular contexts and priorities.