UN cites migration as powerful driver of economic growth

MANILA, Philippines — Human migration is “a powerful driver of economic growth, dynamism and understanding,” the United Nations said yesterday in commemoration of International Migrants Day.

The UN added that migration allows millions to seek new opportunities that benefit communities of origin and destination alike.

However, “when poorly regulated, migration can intensify divisions within and between societies, expose people to exploitation and abuse and undermine faith in government,” the UN said.

“Backed with overwhelming support by the membership of the UN, the compact will help us to address the real challenges of migration while reaping its many benefits,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, referring to the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Guterres called the compact “people-centered and rooted in human rights.”

The compact “points the way toward more legal opportunities for migration and stronger action to crack down on human trafficking,” he said. 

On Sept. 19, 2016, the UN General Assembly adopted a set of commitments during its first Summit on Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants for their protection.

The commitments, known as the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, reaffirmed the importance of the international protection regime and represents a commitment by UN member-states to strengthen and enhance mechanisms to protect people on the move and paved the way for the landmark compact.