December 18 marks International Migrants Day, an opportunity and time to reflect on the challenges migrants face and the immense contributions they make globally. Migration can be considered both a necessity and an opportunity and has been a key driver of human progress. From the historic migration during the Partition of India in 1947 to the evolving dynamics of today, migration shapes societies and transforms lives.
Migration As A Global Challenge and Opportunity
Migration is not a new phenomenon. The Partition of India in 1947 saw one of the largest human migrations in history. Millions were observed crossing borders in search of safety and belonging. While this event was extremely challenging and filled with hardships, both emotional and physical, it highlighted the resilience of individuals striving for a better future- not as much for themselves but for their children and families.
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Fast-forward to today and migration remains a critical global issue. The UNU-MERIT is an institute with over 15 years of migration research. Recently it pointed out that this is both a challenge and a transformative opportunity. The work they have done emphasises the need for thoughtful and evidence-based migration policies.
Prof. Dr. Melissa Siegel is the Head of Migration Studies at UNU-MERIT. She identified pressing issues for 2025. These were inclusive but not limited to labour shortages in ageing economies, waning public support for migration, and ongoing conflicts driving asylum demands. She stressed the importance of safeguarding refugee protections and creating efficient legal pathways to rebuild trust in migration policies.
Moreover, UNU-MERIT’s research highlights the interconnectedness of migration with education and economic development. Inclusive learning environments and pragmatic policies not only benefit migrants but also strengthen host communities.
A Critical Perspective On Female Migrants
Migration impacts everyone, but migrant women face unique challenges. According to reports, there are 117.6 million female migrants of working age worldwide. Many work in sectors like domestic and care work, often isolated and vulnerable to exploitation. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these vulnerabilities, with 8.5 million migrant women’s jobs at risk.
Migration offers significant opportunities for women. It provides a chance to escape repressive conditions and improve their social standing. Female migrants also play a crucial role in shaping cultural norms and driving development in their home countries. To address the widening gender gap in migration, experts call for greater gender equality and targeted protections for female migrants.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres notes moving should be a choice, not a necessity. Migrants often take on crucial roles, from healthcare to transportation, that keep societies functioning, especially during crises like COVID-19. However, political and media narratives frequently oversimplify this, overlooking their complexities and benefits.
On this International Migrants Day, let’s commit to reimagining the difficulties faced by migrants. By fostering and celebrating the contributions of migrants, we can create societies that value human dignity and resilience.
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