Building and Applying a Human Rights-Based Model for Migrant Integration Policy

Abstract

AbstractThe approach of public bodies towards migrant populations is often framed in terms of ‘migrant integration’. However, domestic integration policy and practice often come up short in terms of ensuring equal access to rights such as education, employment and housing for migrants. In this article, we discuss a variety of approaches to defining and measuring integration and, drawing on the concluding observations of a number of UN human rights treaty monitoring bodies, argue in favour of a model of integration based on international human rights law. Indicators derived from this model are used to assess the extent to which policymaking in the public sector in Ireland is informed by human rights. Finally, it is suggested that the methodology used in this study could be applied outside the sphere of immigration and integration to other areas of public policy which directly affect individuals’ human rights—from housing policy, to the provision of disability services, to early education and other important domains.