Migration is an inescapable feature of a globalised society, often one of the most powerful drivers of global economic development. But for too many migrants fleeing poverty, conflict and lack of opportunity they face life-threatening dangers. The Middle East and North Africa is experiencing one of the most serious refugee crises in generations. Millions have fled conflict in Syria alone. Thousands of migrants have perished attempting to cross the Mediterranean, the Gulf or South China Sea. Developed nations are experiencing greater pressures on public services and welfare, leading to calls for tighter controls on immigration. Human trafficking and exploitation has reached tragic levels.
Immigrants were identified as the least protected group by the One Young World community, with 80% saying the world is facing a migration and refugee crisis. A need for a fresh discussion on how the human rights of migrants can be safeguarded - from governments from which refugees are fleeing and the recipient countries who may then turn them away to human traffickers who seek to exploit - is critical. 74% of the One Young World community said governments should do more to create the social and economic conditions that discourage migrants from taking risks to migrate with a further 71% seeing the international community as not doing enough to protect asylum seekers. Framing the debate in terms of human rights focuses this issue on the first principles of common humanity and the rights and responsibilities of individuals and governments.
How can we protect migrants’ rights during the greatest period of migration in the last 60 years?
· Safeguarding migrants’ rights and preventing exploitation
· What would end the cause of migration?
· What to do to ensure the dignity of migrants
