Xinhua 2022:12:19.15:00
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday called for protection and respect for migrants, describing them as drivers behind “economic growth, dynamism and understanding.”
“They must be respected without discrimination, regardless of whether their movement is forced, voluntary or formally authorized,” stressed the UN chief in his message on the International Day of Migrants, which is celebrated on December 18 each year.
Guterres urged the world to “do everything possible” to prevent the loss of life among the migrant population, as a humanitarian imperative and as a moral and legal obligation.
The Secretary General praised more than 80 percent of the people who crossed the borders safely and orderly as driving forces for “economic growth, dynamism and understanding”.
“However, unregulated migration along increasingly dangerous routes, the cruel terrain of human traffickers, continues to generate terrible costs,” he added.
At least 51,000 migrants have died and thousands have disappeared over the past eight years, Guterres said.
In addition, he lobbied for search and rescue efforts and medical supplies. for broad and diversified rights-based policies for migrants and increased international investment in countries of origin to ensure that migration is “an option, not a necessity”.
(Web Editor: Zhao Jian, 周雨)