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Migration an expression of human aspiration for dignity, safety, a better future

Published:Thursday | December 21, 2023 | 12:06 AM
A small group of students, parents, and immigrant advocates gather near City Hall in New York on Tuesday, December 19. The rally was held in response to an order New York Mayor Eric Adams issued in October, limiting homeless migrants and their children to
AP
A small group of students, parents, and immigrant advocates gather near City Hall in New York on Tuesday, December 19. The rally was held in response to an order New York Mayor Eric Adams issued in October, limiting homeless migrants and their children to 60 days in city housing.

THE EDITOR, Madam;

From the annals of our history, migration has played, and continues to play, an integral role in the growth and development of societies. People, over the years, have had to move for various reasons. This phenomenon continues to shape the world in which we live, as more individuals seek better opportunities not only for themselves, but also their families.

In recent times, the topic of migration has become a political football of sorts, especially at the level of the presidential elections in the United States of America, as Republicans and Democrats have weaponised the issue of migration and immigration to win votes. In this effort to win power, the powers that be have created and sustain a fear of migrants that now manifests itself in almost every country in the world. International Migrant Day is observed annually on December 18. The theme for International Migrant Day is ‘Act Today’. Indeed, the international community must act with a great sense of urgency to stem the discrimination and hate that so many migrants face in their quest for a better life.

The United Nations theorises that people on the move are powerful drivers for development in both their homeland and destination countries as workers, students, entrepreneurs, family members, artists, and much more.

Harsh Realities

Oftentimes, we believe that we are shielded from the harsh realities of the life and experiences of being a migrant. However, things can change very quickly. The country that appears stable today can become a hotbed for both political and economic instability tomorrow. Governments, too, have an awesome responsibility to ensure that migrants are integrated as best as possible into their new host countries. This responsibility must both be proactive and purposeful, and grounded in legislative changes. As we commemorate Migrant Day, let us act now in redoubling our efforts and commitments to treat each other with respect.

In the words of Ban Ki-moon, former secretary general of the United Nations, migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family.

WAYNE CAMPBELL

waykam@yahoo.com