26 July 1985

52nd plenary meeting

Developmental social welfare policies and programmes on the situation of African migrant workers

The Economic and Social Council,

Aware of the serious consequences of the critical African socio-economic situation for the living conditions of the peoples in Africa, and for the funding and delivery of social services, which are even more essential now than in previous periods of economic development,

Reaffirming the essential role of social welfare in overall development and in dealing with pressing issues arising notably from food shortages, problems relating to refugees and displaced persons, the breakup of families, lack of adequate health and educational facilities, unemployment and underemployment, urbanization, and high rates of population growth,

Having considered the issue of African migrant workers and the impact it has on the socio-economic development of the sending and receiving countries,

Noting that, since 1979, work has been under way on an international convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their families,

1. Urges all Member States, particularly the least developed countries, to prepare for and be adequately represented at the Interregional Consultation on Developmental Social Welfare Policies and Programmes, to be held in 1987;

2. Requests the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa to prepare a report on the issues identified in Council resolution 1983/22 of 26 May 1983, with special emphasis on those issues of particular concern for or relevance to Africa, and to ensure that the substance of that report is taken into full consideration in the agenda and documentation of the Interregional Consultation;

3. Further requests the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa to make the necessary arrangements for an in-depth study of the situation of African migrant workers in both receiving and sending countries, in order to elicit appropriate actions and measures to promote the welfare and protection of the rights of the migrant workers and their families, as well as appropriate policies for their social integration;

4. Recommends the General Assembly to approve the technical and financial implications of the involvement of the Economic Commission for Africa in both activities, as submitted in section 13 of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 1986-1987.