"More must be done to ensure the respect of the human rights of migrant workers and their families, be they regular or irregular, documented or undocumented. The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families established for its ratifying countries the obligation to respect the core human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrant workers and members in their State of immigration. It is a vital part of efforts to combat exploitation of migrant workers and their families."
Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations
18 December 2003, International Migrant's Day