Migration improves millions of lives, yet poorly governed migration entails great suffering: UN chief

Addis Ababa, December 19, 2023 (FBC) – Better migration governance enables millions of people to improve their lives, but poorly governed migration is a cause of great suffering, the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said in his message on the International Migrants Day 2023.

According to him, a more humane and orderly management of migration can benefit all, including communities of origin, transit and destination.

“Migration is a fact of life and a force for good. It promotes the exchange of knowledge and ideas and contributes to economic growth. It enables millions of people to pursue opportunities and improve their lives. At the same time, poorly governed migration is a cause of great suffering. It forces people into the cruel realm of traffickers, where they face exploitation, abuse, and even death. It undermines trust in governance and institutions, inflames social tensions, and corrodes our common humanity,” Mr. Guterres underscored.

On International Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights, the UN Secretary General noted.

He reminded that five years ago, the international community adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. This has become an important reference point and resource for Member States to assess actions, enhance cooperation, and expand rights-based pathways for migration.

Yet such measures remain the exception, not the norm, Guterres emphasized. “Today and every day, we must work towards a more humane and orderly management of migration for the benefit of all, including communities of origin, transit, and destination.”

He also appealed for securing a safer and more prosperous future for all.