KARACHI:
Currently, the world is facing a migration crisis. People are undertaking a perilous journey to migrate to different countries in search of better livelihoods. A United Nations report revealed that nearly 100 million people migrated in 2022. One of the main reasons for increased migration is the few economic opportunities within one’s country. Many people from developing countries set out to developed countries to improve their prospects. Another reason is internal conflict or wars in parts of the world, which have triggered food shortages, uprooted people from their homes, etc.
Consequently, people are compelled to leave their countries to seek safety abroad. Many people are also migrating from their countries due to a lack of fundamental human rights. Climate-related emergencies have become another major cause of migration and displacement around the world. Given that today’s problems are global, countries must resolve the ongoing migration crisis through a collaborative effort. Developed countries should open their markets and reduce tariffs and trade barriers on imports from developing countries. New technologies should be harnessed to provide people from developing countries with equal economic opportunities. Also, governments should work towards conflict resolution in tandem to prevent wars and violent conflicts.
Importantly, international organisations and countries should hold governments accountable and urge them to fulfil their obligations under international laws. Countries facing climate emergencies should be given support and assistance to build climate-resilient infrastructure and equip local populations with the apparatus to deal with climate-related events. In helping developing countries remove the causes of migration, developed countries will also benefit.
Haleema Sadia
Kallar Syedan
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2023.
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