Peoples’ lives are improving, but greater efforts still needed to ensure no one is left behind

Photo credit: World Bank/Kelley Lynch

26 April 2024 - Human life expectancy has improved across many parts of the world, according to recent data. Great strides have also...

Age with rights – over 200 civil society organizations call for action

Two older women smiling

This year, as the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing approaches its 20-year milestone, there is an opportunity to generate renewed momentum for action...

COVID-19 crisis exposes need to govern migration in a more humane and effective way

COVID and Migration
Migrants and migration can be part of the solution in a post-COVID society, but for that to happen, inclusion must be a top priority.

In an online webinar chaired by the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) António Vitorino, members of the UN Network on Migration discussed the repercussions of the pandemic for people on the move as COVID-19 response and recovery measures are drawn up and implemented.

Taking the UN Secretary-General’s recent policy brief on

International Day of Family Remittances: The global pandemic highlights the crucial role of remittances for migrant families

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COVID-19 and its impacts have had far-reaching consequences and exacerbated inequalities.  For the 800 million people reliant on migrant family members sending money home – money that many can no longer receive – COVID-19 is more than a deadly virus; it constitutes a devastating and immediate blow to their development, imperiling their access to health, education, housing and nutrition.

As we mark the International Day of Family Remittances, the UN Network on Migration calls on public authorities, service providers, the international community and stakeholders to together address the

UN chief underlines need to protect refugees and migrants in COVID-19 pandemic

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The UN Secretary-General has expressed hope that the COVID-19 crisis will lead to a rethinking of how the world supports refugees, migrants and internally displaced people.

António Guterres on Wednesday launched the latest UN policy briefing on the pandemic, which reminds countries of their obligation to protect people on the move, who number more than 70 million globally, a

Latest migration trends revealed

Migration has major impacts on both the people and the places involved in it. When supported by appropriate policies, migration can contribute to inclusive and sustainable development in both origin and destination countries, while also benefitting migrants and their families.



Reliable data on migrants and migration are crucial for assessing current and future trends, identifying policy priorities, and making informed decisions.

Bring global migration compact ‘to life’, urges UN chief

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As “policies shaped more by fear than fact” have caused untold suffering to migrants, the UN Secretary-General is urging countries to realize the goals of a global agreement that promotes enhanced international cooperation on migration.



António Guterres issued the charge in his message for International Migrants Day, observed annually on 18 December.

“Safe, orderly and regular migration is in the interest of all.

International cooperation on migration – what’s next?

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December is a time to recall that all migrants—no matter their immigration status—are entitled to the same basic human rights as everyone else. Migrants form a vital and integral part of our societies and contribute much to sustainable development. As revealed by UN DESA’s latest revision of estimates of the International Migrant Stock, the number of international migrants globally reached an estimated 272 million in 2019, an increase of 51 million since 2010.