International Labor Organization

Topic Summary

The migration flow from Northern Africa to Southern Europe is a defining aspect of the current socio-economic and humanitarian landscape of the Mediterranean. In recent decades, migrants from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya have made their journey north towards Spain, Italy, and France, pursuing the dream of better economic opportunities, safety, and stability. The European labor force has been significantly enhanced by these movements—particularly in agriculture, construction, and domestic work. But structural inequalities, labor exploitation, and human rights violations have equally taken place. Further, the waves of outward migration have affected local African economies and demographics, leading to remittances, labor shortages, and changes in social structures. Delegates will focus on discussing the economic interdependence between the Northern African labor supply and the Southern European markets, especially in informal and seasonal sectors; the effectiveness of regional cooperation frameworks (such as partnerships between the African Union and the EU) in promoting security, development, and protection of rights; and the role of European immigration policies (including Schengen regulations and border controls) in shaping migration routes and working conditions. Some case studies that the committee will focus on: Moroccan women in strawberry fields of Huelva and Granada (Spain); transit of Sub-Saharan migrants (Niger, Mali, Eritrea, Sudan) crossing through Libya to reach Italy; and the Tunisian and Algerian youth migrants seeking work and education in France.