"As budgets tighten, we are
seeing austerity measures that discriminate against migrant workers, xenophobic
rhetoric that encourages violence against irregular migrants, and proposed
immigration laws that allow the police to profile migrants with impunity. During
economic downturns, it is worth remembering that whole sectors of the economy
depend on migrant workers and migrant entrepreneurs help to create jobs."
/Ban Ki-moon/
18th of December was
proclaimed as the International Migrants Day in the year 2000. This day aims to recognize the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants. It is
undeniable the weight the day carries, hence United Nations (UN) called upon
the whole world to commemorate this day by sharing information on human rights
and fundamental freedoms of migrants.
Figures show that throughout the
years, migration has amplified in numbers, with 2013 recording 232 million
migrants worldwide compared with 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990.
The increase between the year 2000 and 2013 shows that as we advance in time so
does the movement of people across the globe. The top three most migrated
places are the United States of America which
hosts the largest number of 45.8 million, followed by the Russian Federation
with 11 million, and Germany harboring 9.8 million migrants.
Young people are
the most affected by migration and they make up the largest migrant group that
accounts to 35 million of the total 232 million migrants worldwide. It has been
observed that among this 35 million, there are more males than females.
At the 13th
Melaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD), there was a focus on
prioritizing the right to freedom of movement for/ among youth, as one of their
fundamental rights. During the dialogue, key stakeholders shared their ideas and thoughts towards agreeing in efforts of educating, promoting and
raising awareness regarding youth migration, at different levels of society.
It is upon all of us to undertake
action to ensure the protection of migrants. Happy International Migrants Day!
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