The UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent has issued a warning that African migrants are subjected to racism and discrimination throughout their migration journeys. This cautionary statement highlights the impact of discriminatory policies globally, underscoring a structural problem deeply rooted in historical racial hierarchies. While some migrants are welcomed as “expatriates,” others endure systemic bias, in spite of the universal entitlement to dignity and human rights for all migrants.
During a presentation to the UN Human Rights Council, the experts detailed how migration outcomes for people of African descent remain influenced by historical racialization, such as the legacy of the slave trade. They criticized current migration governance for failing to meet human rights standards, attributing this shortfall to entrenched racist attitudes manifesting through border management practices, AI utilization, and digital surveillance systems. The experts highlighted the adoption of discriminatory labor migration frameworks that create precarious situations for migrants. The challenges African migrants face range from gender-based violence and limited access to crucial services to labor exploitation and racial profiling.
Global protection frameworks still do not adequately acknowledge the legitimate reasons driving African individuals to migrate, such as economic hardship, unequal trade, and climate vulnerability. As highlighted by the UN working group, the externalisation of migration controls, particularly through partnerships between Northern nations and African states, contributes to increased surveillance, often neglecting genuine mobility and cooperation. These arrangements often impose the security agendas of Northern countries on African nations, exacerbating the power imbalance.
The working group strongly advocates for migration governance to prioritize inclusive, rights-based policies, emphasizing the creation of safe and regular migration pathways. Reforms suggested include overhauling labor migration frameworks to respect migrants’ dignity, adopting rights-based frameworks that foster cooperation, and implementing preventive measures against racial profiling and xenophobia. These steps aim to enhance the protection of African migrants from discrimination and abuse.
Multiple factors, including poverty, unemployment, climate-related events, and conflict, contribute to the migration of African individuals. With Africa recognized as a “continent on the move,” migration occurs both within the region and towards Europe. Despite these flows, disparities between mineral-rich and technology-developing African countries persist. Security issues continue to hinder efforts for African states to fully benefit from their resources, limiting socio-economic growth and stability within the continent.
Further insights and detailed views on this issue can be drawn from the original report by the UN experts, highlighting the intricate challenges and necessary policy shifts required to address the racial discrimination faced by African migrants throughout their journeys. More information can be found in a detailed report by JURIST.