We work to reduce discrimination and fear while promoting inclusive societies where people on the move and host communities can thrive together. Bringing together governments, civil society, UN entities, and migrants themselves, we support rights-based approaches to integration grounded in lived experience. Our focus includes access to education and work, protection of migrants’ rights, anti-discrimination policies, and constructive dialogue with host communities. By translating global commitments into practical solutions, we help build trust, social cohesion, and opportunity for all.
People on the move—whether refugees, asylum seekers, or migrants—are first and foremost human beings. While they may have different reasons for moving, and their experiences and legal statuses can vary, all share the same fundamental rights and the need for dignity, safety, and belonging.
The Xenophobia, Racism, and Social Inclusion Sub-Committee works to build understanding between people on the move and the communities that receive them. We bring together governments, civil society, UN entities, and migrants themselves to reduce discrimination, address fear and misinformation, and promote inclusive, cohesive societies.
By combining policy dialogue with lived experience, we help translate global commitments into practical, local solutions—supporting integration that benefits both newcomers and host communities. Our work focuses on reducing fear and discrimination while strengthening social cohesion, trust, and opportunity for all.
What We Focus On
We understand that integration is a two-way process, requiring both inclusive policies and mutual engagement between people on the move and host societies.
- Accelerating the integration of people on the move through improved access to education, employment, services, and community resources
- Addressing legitimate concerns within host communities, including fears that large-scale arrivals may strain social cohesion or challenge local cultural identity
- Clarifying and defending migrants’ rights, especially where nationally recognized legal processes are not fully implemented at the local level
- Upholding the right to continuity, enabling people on the move to build on prior education and professional experience to complete degrees and pursue new careers
Xenophobia, Racism, and Social Inclusion: Context
While xenophobia and racism are conceptually distinct, both are often driven by fear—of cultural loss, demographic change, or disruption of long-standing ways of life. Once ignited, these forces can spread quickly and prove difficult to contain. They may unite established communities or newly arrived groups in ways that create rigid barriers to inclusion. While many people on the move actively seek to integrate, those who are forcibly displaced often face greater obstacles due to trauma and lack of choice.
We identify and promote best practices that enable faster, more effective inclusion, thereby reducing the conditions under which racism and xenophobia can emerge. Our work emphasizes constructive dialogue and practical solutions that strengthen cooperation among community leaders and foster cross-sector collaboration.
We work to bring together law enforcement, advocacy groups, migrant communities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and employers. By sharing perspectives and lived experience, we aim to build trust, enhance safety, improve access to essential services, and restore dignity, agency, and hope for people on the move.
We promote the adoption and enforcement of anti-discrimination policies and inclusive governance frameworks as essential tools for preventing xenophobia and racism and for sustaining social cohesion.
People on the Move
The term “migrant” is often used broadly to describe cross-border movements, including refugees fleeing persecution or conflict, victims of trafficking, those forced to move due to climate change and natural disasters, and individuals seeking better opportunities. These groups have distinct motivations, legal statuses, and vulnerabilities. While all are entitled to protection under international human rights law, such protections are not consistently guaranteed in practice.
Goals
We advocate for consistency in the treatment of migrants along migration routes and for meaningful inclusion once they reach their destinations. In line with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), we promote rights-based, legally compliant approaches that support rapid social and economic integration.
Our priorities include family reunification, access to services, recognition of skills and qualifications, and the protection of human rights and dignity. At the same time, we work to confront xenophobia and racism in countries of origin and transit, reinforcing the understanding that human rights are a mandate and must be implemented and afforded to all people.