The Future of Human Rights of Immigrants in a Changing World Order
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a foundational document adopted by the Nations General Assembly on 10th December 1948. It defines 30 essential human rights that are generally applicable to all individuals, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion. The UDHR is a foundational basis for global human rights legislation and practices. [1]
Article 2 of the UDHR says, ‘Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms outlined in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made based on the political, jurisdictional, or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether independent, trustworthy, non-self-governing, or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
However, due to the rapid changes in the global order, the rights of migrants remain in the hands of state officials; bodies of immigrants have become sites of violence and absence of belonging. Countries, even the first custodians of the UDHR, are seemingly on a trajectory to override the merits of international laws that protect human rights regardless of their positionalities. This piece seeks to allude to the possible future of human rights in the changing world and what ought to be done by various actors in the international community.
The future of human rights has been affected by several significant global trends, such as geopolitical shifts, climate change, technological advancements, and rising nationalism in the changing world order.
Migration has long benefitted millions of individuals worldwide, whether in the origin, transit, or destination countries, as it has provided opportunities and enhanced their lives despite the toxicity of certain political narratives that rely on hatred and division. Nevertheless, never a day passes without several media reports—whether in conventional or contemporary formats—emphasising the adverse facets of migration. Although this may illustrate the evolving dynamics of migration in certain regions, it is crucial to acknowledge that media coverage consistently prioritises terrible news. Malicious entities increasingly employ disinformation strategies, which adversely affect public, political, and social media discussions around migration. Normalising the migration narrative is essential for actualising the advantages of migration.
Economic trends, labour rights, geopolitical shifts, and immigration policies
As economies evolve, certain nations will increasingly rely on immigrant labour, potentially improving workers' rights. Undocumented migrants and low-wage labourers remain susceptible to exploitation, hazardous circumstances, and insufficient legal protections. Enhancing international labour rights agreements may boost protections for migrant workers worldwide.
As global power dynamics evolve, certain nations may impose stricter immigration restrictions, whereas others may implement more liberal policies to entice skilled workers. Increasing nationalism and populist movements may result in more stringent immigration restrictions and obstacles to the international human rights framework.
International organisations, such as the United Nations and other regional entities, may significantly contribute to advocacy for safeguarding immigrant rights. In the United States of America, we have seen unprecedented rapid and extensive issuance of executive orders persist, making it challenging to monitor and assess their potential future implications. Trump has suspended the resettlement of tens of thousands of refugees who had already been screened and approved for relocation to the United States, including around 15,000 immigrants from Afghanistan. He terminated humanitarian parole for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, putting over 500,000 individuals already residing in the country living with uncertainty. He initiated his pledged campaign to apprehend and deport millions of undocumented immigrants, first with individuals charged with violent offences; fewer than half of the roughly 8,200 individuals detained from January 20 to February were included. [2]
Namibia is set to implement a new visa regime effective 1st April 2025. This law, enacted in May 2024, seeks to modify admission requirements for international travellers.
Thirty-three nations are now subject to visa requirements in Namibia.
Until now, nationals from numerous countries have benefitted from visa-free access to Namibia.
At the beginning of April 2025, the Namibian government will implement a new list of countries whose citizens must secure visas on arrival or online before their travel. Initially, 31 nations were affected by the impending visa requirement in Namibia; however, a recent circular from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation now confirms the implementation of this measure for 33 states. [3]
Climate Change and Forced Migration
Borders fundamentally delineate migration, but the effects of climate change manifest indiscriminately, transcending these boundaries. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) closely associates climate change with human activities. The UNFCCC defines climate change as changes in the climate that are caused by human activities that change the composition of the global atmosphere. These changes must be considered along with natural climate variability that has been observed over similar periods. [4]
Climate change will progressively compel migration, with millions obligated to abandon their residences due to elevated sea levels, severe weather events, and resource depletion. Numerous countries continue to lack legislative frameworks that safeguard climate refugees, rendering them susceptible to exploitation, statelessness, and discrimination. There will probably be a heightened demand for states and international organisations to acknowledge climate migrants within existing human rights safeguards.
Digital Surveillance and Immigrant Rights
Digital technological interventions are progressively influencing and implementing nations' migration management and asylum policies. Amnesty International and various civil society organisations have consistently recorded severe human rights violations perpetrated by governments in their efforts to deter, prevent, repel, and punish individuals in transit, including refugees and asylum seekers. Private tech companies have recently intertwined these policies and practices with rapidly advancing digital technologies. Four The expansion of digital technologies and "smart border" systems has engendered novel private-public partnerships and a range of human rights challenges. There is an increasing and pressing necessity to examine and comprehend the implications of technology such as electronic monitoring, satellites, drones, facial recognition, polygraphs, and iris scanning. [5]
Governments are employing AI and digital monitoring to oversee migration, which raises apprehensions over privacy, discrimination, and the potential misuse of biometric data.
Border control may lead to biased decision-making, thereby restricting equitable claims and due process for immigrants. There may be impetus for more stringent laws on data privacy.
The Role of Civil Society and Advocacy
Civil society organisations play a crucial role in safeguarding the human rights of immigrants in the evolving global order. Movements and organisations must safeguard the existence and well-being of immigrants across the globe. Grassroots groups, non-governmental organisations, and human rights advocates will persist in their vital role in preserving immigrants' rights. Other means of activism on various platforms, such as social media and digital activism, will enhance visibility and draw international focus to injustices faced by immigrants.
Courts and legal challenges may function as critical instruments to safeguard immigrant rights against repressive governmental practices. It is a known fact that the majority of activists are concerned that their financial fragility may result in the replication of a weak and fragmented NGO sector, which acts against their intended political objectives. Because the NGO industry in the world is one of the most profitable, particularly in Africa (until recent US executive orders), there is something akin to a competitive corporate atmosphere, with individuals and groups attempting to monopolise the sector in order to gain access to more funds.
The actions that governments, international organisations, and society take in response to these issues will determine the trajectory of human rights for immigrants in the future. While more restrictions and rights violations may exist, legal reforms, activism, and international cooperation may lead to progress. It becomes imperative that there be a perpetual discourse on the future of human rights and how best states can protect the rights of their citizens and of migrants.
Yolokazi Mfuto is a communications strategist and writes in her personal capacity.
References
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights. (Accessed 23 March 2025)
Pro Public, United States of America
https://www.propublica.org/article/donald-trump-immigration-executive-orders. (Accessed 24 March 2025)
Visa news - Namibia’s new visa policy is moving forward
https://visasnews.com/en/namibias-new-visa-policy-is-moving-forward/ (Accessed 23 March 2025)
Scalabrini institute for Human Mobility in Africa- Climate Change And Migration In Africa
https://sihma.org.za/online-resources/climate-change-and-migration-in-africa. (Accessed 23 March 2025)
Amnesty International – Defending the rights of Immigrants
https://www.amnestyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Defending-the-Rights-of-. (Accessed 25 March 2025
[1] https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
[2] [2] https://www.propublica.org/article/donald-trump-immigration-executive-orders
[3] https://visasnews.com/en/namibias-new-visa-policy-is-moving-forward/
[4] https://sihma.org.za/online-resources/climate-change-and-migration-in-africa
[5] https://www.amnestyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Defending-the-Rights-of-Refugees-and-Migrants-in-the-Digital-Age.pdf
