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Humanitarian assistance to migrants, irrespective of their status – Towards a non-categorical approach

30-09-2009 Article, International Review of the Red Cross, No. 875, by Thomas Linde

The 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent recommended that the Movement take an inclusive approach to addressing the humanitarian dimension of migration, irrespective of the status of the migrants concerned. This is a departure from humanitarian organizations' traditional prioritisation of migrants according to legal and institutional categories.

Abstract 

Humanitarian organizations dealing with migrants have long prioritized such people according to legal and institutional categories, therefore focusing on those fleeing conflict, violence or persecution. In a departure from this tradition, it was recommended at the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent that the Movement should take an inclusive approach towards addressing the humanitarian dimension of migration, irrespective of the status of the migrants of concern. This article discusses the shift towards such an approach, and how it has been implemented in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ migration policy.  

Biography

Thomas Linde is the Special Representative on Migration at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.


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