CPRMW: International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, 1990 (not yet in force]

This Convention, which has not yet entered into force, was drafted by the General Assembly and marks the first time that this body has adopted an instrument concerning labour rights. Labour matters have traditionally been left to the ILO. The CPRMW represents a shift towards thinking about labour rights as human rights, away from the (equally important) ILO approach of setting labour standards. The Convention prohibits discrimination against migrant workers on the basis of nationality and requires migrant workers and native workers to be treated equally. It restates many provisions contained in other human rights instruments and applies them to all migrant workers, which is especially important for undocumented workers and others in an irregular situation. Further provisions cover rights that apply only to documented workers. The Convention also includes provisions relating to the special problems of migrant workers, including family reunion issues, safeguards against expulsion, and issues of cultural adaptation.