International migration is a global phenomenon that is growing in scope, complexity and impact. Migration is both a cause and effect of broader development processes and an intrinsic feature of our ever globalizing world. While no substitute for development, migration can be a positive force for development when supported by the right set of policies. The rise in global mobility, the growing complexity of migratory patterns and its impact on countries, migrants, families and communities have all contributed to international migration becoming a priority for the international community.
The second General Assembly High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development (New York, 3-4 October 2013), the preparations for the post-2015 United Nations Development Agenda as well as the 2014 special session of the General Assembly on the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development beyond 2014 are important occasions for Member States to harness the benefits of migration, to address migration challenges, and to improve the global governance of migration.
The Population Division provides guidance and support to the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), including its Commission on Population and Development, on issues related to migration and its implications for development. Specifically, it prepares global migration estimates, undertakes studies on migration levels, trends and dynamics, documents migration policies, and monitors the implementation of the United Nations Development Agenda in this regard. In addition, the Division’s work focuses on strengthening United Nations system-wide coordination and on developing capacities.
One of the key activities of the Division in this field is to produce estimates of the international migrant stock for all countries and areas of the world, disaggregated by age and sex and country of birth or citizenship, at regular intervals. Recent highlights of the Division’s work are listed below. For a complete list of activities undertaken by the Division in the field of international migration, see unmigration.org.
Publications
- Migrants by origin and destination: The role of South-South migration (Population Facts No. 2012/3)
- The Age and Sex of Migrants 2011 (wall chart)
- International Migration Report 2009: A Global Assessment
Reports of the Secretary-General and corresponding resolutions
- Report A/67/254 – Resolution A/RES/67/219 (General Assembly)
- Report A/65/203 – Resolution A/RES/65/170 (General Assembly)
- Report A/63/265 – Resolution A/RES/63/225 (General Assembly)
- Report E/CN.9/2006/3 – Resolution 2006/2 (Commission on Population and Development)
Events
- High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development – New York, 3-4 October 2013 (forthcoming)
- Informal interactive hearings with NGOs, civil society and the private sector for the 2013 High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development - New York, 15 July 2013
- Eleventh Coordination Meeting on International Migration - New York, 21-22 February 2013
- United Nations Expert Group Meeting on New Trends in Migration: Demographic Aspects - New York, 3 December 2012
- Informal Thematic Debate on International Migration and Development - New York, 19 May 2011
Other websites
- unmigration.org
- 2013 High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development
- Informal interactive hearings with NGOs, civil society and the private sector for the 2013 High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development
- Global Migration Group
Databases