GENEVA, Switzerland – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged global communities on Wednesday to embrace their shared humanity and address the troubling challenges confronting migrants worldwide.
As the international community marked this year’s International Migrants Day, Guterres emphasized the indispensable contributions migrants make to economic growth, cultural vitality, and the social fabric of nations. At the same time, he acknowledged that these individuals too often encounter severe hardships, from deeply rooted stigma and discrimination to outright violence and exploitation.
In his statement, the UN chief highlighted that misinformation, disinformation, and hate-filled rhetoric only serve to undermine efforts in recognizing and supporting the invaluable roles migrants play in societies everywhere. He called attention to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration—adopted six years ago—which provides a meaningful framework to safeguard migrants’ welfare, ensure their rights are respected, and bolster equitable migration pathways around the world.
“On this International Migrants Day and beyond, we must unite against prejudice, protect the vulnerable, and take concrete steps to create more inclusive, just, and humane migration systems,” Guterres said. “By working together, we can uphold the dignity of every migrant and forge a brighter future for everyone.”
