Today, the world marks the International Migrants Day under the theme of “We Together.” This year, the number of migrants reached an estimated 272 million globally, 51 million more than in 2010. International migrants comprise 3.5 percent of the global population.
Throughout human history, migration has been a courageous expression of the individual’s will to overcome adversity and to live a better life.
First initiated by the united Nation in 2000, International Migrants Day is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the struggles of the many people around the world who have left their homeland in search of a brighter future. This declaration recognises the important contribution of migration to development and respect the human rights of migrants.
Forced Migration
Forced migration is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. It has reached unprecedented numbers, with roughly 70.8 million people living away from their homes, which includes 41.3 internally displaced, 25.9 million refugees, and about 3.5 million asylum seekers. (Source : UNHCR)
It is evident that lack of quality education, economic opportunities, inequality, climate change and governance combine to form the root causes of forced displacement.
Moving forward,
The history of the world teaches us that human beings have always migrated from adverse conditions to favorable conditions. So too will this generation and generations to come.
Together, we can make migration safe, orderly and dignified for all.
