The International Migration Day observed on Monday brought into sharp focus the ordeals that migrants including those from Bangladesh are facing. Happily, the United Nations is actively playing a catalyst's role in this area, with the aim of creating more dialogues and interactions among countries and regions, as well as sharing experience and collaboration opportunities so that the migrants live well.
Migration draws increasing attention in the world nowadays. Mixed with elements of unforeseen difficulties, the challenges of international migration require enhanced cooperation and collective action among countries and regions.
Bangladesh had the unique opportunity of hosting the ninth summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD). Delegates from about 125 countries and over 30 UN agencies, international organisations, global civil society and businesses took part in the three-day long global summit. Highlighting the importance of migrants, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described migration as a most complex human phenomenon, but said migration and migrants are not to be feared or avoided. Rather we need to see how we can realise the transformative potential of migration by laying appropriate framework for governance of migration, she added.
In fact, each migrant has a unique story to tell. A migrant makes so much of sacrifice as he leaves his family and country. Migrants contribute their ideas, labour and resources in the development of the host societies. They also spend the prime time of their life for others. Often we ignore their stories, their inalienable rights as human beings-- the Bangladesh Prime Minister was quoted as saying.
In the recent years, there has been an intense focus and advancement on migration issues, recognising that migration connects communities, economies and societies. Migration is equally essential for peace, stability and growth. In a diverse and connected world, migration is inevitable and essential. Societies need to understand the benefits of diversity for harmony among all people, including the migrants.
As the GFMD moved to the global consultative process in 2017, all must pledge and act to lift the migrants from misery and agony. The global development vision, popularly known as Agenda 2030, recognises migration as a key enabler of sustainable development. In order to realise these, we need to identify convergence of our interests, balance our needs, aspirations, security concerns and opportunities. People move for so many purposes, just not for work. In a globalised world, people will continue to move in large numbers. Therefore, the challenge is how we can facilitate safe, orderly and regular movement of people. And also ensure that a person moves as a matter of his free choice.
It is time for ensuring that migrants move and work in dignity and safety. Their rights should be protected in all situations, regardless of their status. Migration is no longer about 'us' and 'them', it is about prosperity and well-being of all people, all states. Bangladesh proposed a comprehensive Global Compact for Migration Governance at the United Nations and at the UN Summit on Migrants and Refugees this September.
Now, Bangladesh is working with other states to push for a comprehensive Global Compact on Migrants and Refugees that should get adopted at the UN in 2018. It is time that the GFMD speaks candidly and boldly. It should focus on some of the challenging issues, like migrants in situations of crisis and conflicts, migration governance, diversity and harmony.
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