Atty. Halil Baki Çelen
From the very beginning of human history, migration has been an integral part of the human story. Whether driven by the search for new opportunities, the desire to reunite with loved ones, or the need to escape conflict and persecution, people have always been in motion. However, in today’s globalized world, migration is no longer just a personal journey. It has become a matter that shapes the future of nations and societies.
According to the United Nations Population Division, as of July 2020, there were 281 million international migrants globally, accounting for roughly 3.5% of the world’s population. Yet, these numbers are more than just statistics; they represent millions of lives uprooted by economic hardships, persecution, and increasingly, climate change. In an interconnected world, it is important to remember that behind every migrant is a story of hope, fear, resilience, and survival.
As someone who works on migration and refugee issues with international organizations, I have witnessed firsthand the complex reasons why people leave everything behind and embark on uncertain journeys. Some migrate in search of opportunity, while others are forced to flee for their very survival. According to UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), there were over 35 million refugees worldwide by the end of 2022, many of them from Palestine. Countless others wait in hopes of asylum, searching for a safe harbor.
Who Is a Migrant?
According to the United Nations, an international migrant is anyone who changes their country of residence, regardless of their reason for migrating or their legal status. Migrants include job seekers, students, people fleeing war, and victims of climate change. However, they all share one common characteristic: they have crossed borders in search of a safer and better life.
The Promise of Sustainable Development
The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promise to “leave no one behind,” including migrants. This commitment recognizes that migration is not just a crisis but an issue that must be integrated into global development plans. SDG target 10.7 promotes safe, orderly, and regular migration while emphasizing the need to protect the rights of migrants. The 2018 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration also provides a vital framework for managing international migration, built on the principles of international human rights law, which emphasize the dignity, safety, and respect for all migrants, regardless of their status.
Migration and Data: The Power of Understanding
In a world where misinformation about migration is widespread, accurate data is more important than ever. According to the IOM (International Organization for Migration)’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre, reliable migration data is the foundation for policies that uphold human dignity. Since 2014, over 61,000 migrants have been recorded as having lost their lives on dangerous routes, with the Mediterranean and the US-Mexico border among the deadliest. This highlights the extreme risks many migrants face.
Yet, migration is not only a story of tragedy; it is also one of contribution. Migrants bring immense economic value to both their countries of origin and destination. The International Day of Family Remittances, celebrated on June 16th each year, underscores how remittances sent by migrants uplift communities, reduce poverty, and drive local investment. These financial contributions not only transform millions of lives but also remind us of the tremendous sacrifices migrants make every day.
A Call to Action
The international community must not turn a blind eye to the challenges posed by migration. The 2016 New York Declaration, an important step in recognizing that refugees and migrants share common rights and freedoms, also acknowledges their contributions to development. This commitment was further strengthened by the Global Compact on Migration, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
When discussing migrants, we must remember the framework that international law provides. The 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is one of the most important documents safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrant workers. No matter where we come from or where we are headed, our fundamental human rights remain constant.
Looking Ahead
Migration has always been and will continue to be a part of the human experience. We must view it not merely as a crisis to be managed, but as an opportunity to be embraced. The international community should continue to develop policies that recognize migration as a fundamental aspect of human existence and respect the rights of migrants.
As I reflect on my own personal and professional journey, I am reminded of the courage of those who migrate. Ultimately, we are all part of a global society, united by shared hopes, dreams, and an indomitable human spirit. Borders should not divide us, but instead remind us of our shared humanity.
In solidarity with all those on the move,
Atty. Halil Baki Çelen