The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) launched a study on “the situation of migrants in transit” during the 31st Session of the Human Rights Council on Monday, 14 March 2016.

The study includes an analysis of human rights challenges for unaccompanied children and adolescents, as well as women and girls in situations of transit migration.  The study was conducted in consultation with States and other relevant stakeholders.

A side event to launch the study took place on Monday 14 March, co-sponsored by the Governments of Mexico and Greece, and featuring a presentation from the International Detention Coalition.

During the event, IDC Advocacy coordinator Ben Lewis highlighted the increasing use of arbitrary detention, often in conditions which are unsuited to the particular circumstances, protection needs, and vulnerabilities of the individual.

Many State policies seem more concerned with stopping or limiting onward migration than protecting the fundamental rights of people on the move. Ben Lewis, IDC Advocacy Coordinator

The IDC speech notes and handout on IDCs research findings on transit migration are available below.