Fifth Colloquium on Challenges in International Refugee Law. The Michigan Guidelines on the Right to Work : Explanatory Note

Abstract

The Fifth Michigan Colloquium on Challenges in International Refugee Law considered the topic of the right to work for refugees and others in need of international protection. The right to work is a fundamental human right recognized in many international and regional human rights instruments, including the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (Refugee Convention),1 as well as international labor conventions. However, in many countries, refugees are denied access to the labor market and opportunities for self-employment. Refugees also face other barriers to their right to work, such as problems gaining recognition of their qualifications. This leaves states in violation of the international legal obligations to which they have freely consented and results in numerous socio-economic problems for states that host refugees. The Michigan Guidelines on the Right to Work were adopted by participants at the Colloquium with the aim of assisting states in the proper implementation of the right to work for refugees and other similarly situated persons.