United Nations Convention on The Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families

HL Deb 23 July 1998 vol 592 c125WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the reasons underlying their intention not to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. [HL2642]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

This convention is problematic for the United Kingdom. Many of the rights enshrined in it go far beyond the scope of the UK's existing immigration laws. The Government consider that they have struck the right balance between the need for immigration control and protection of the interests and rights of migrant workers, who already have the protection of the United Kingdom's existing commitments under international law.

This convention has not entered into force. It has only been ratified by nine states, and signed by three others. This suggests that the United Kingdom's problems are not uncommon.