By embracing a commitment to human dignity, we can create a world where movement is not a desperate act, but an opportunity.
Jyoti Diwan, Director + Data Analytics & Insights leverages her expertise in data to drive systemic change and amplify marginalized voices. Her commitment to transforming data into compelling narratives has driven impactful advocacy campaigns and policy interventions globally, embodying her belief in the power of storytelling through data to foster equity and justice. The following piece bridges personal experience, research, and big ideas to challenge outdated concepts that are ill-suited for our changing times.
Imagine a world where crossing a border feels less like a desperate gamble and more like a walk to the next town. This ideal sits at the heart of the complex issue of freedom of movement, a right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet constantly challenged by national security concerns, economic anxieties, and the realities of a changing planet.
As an educated and independent woman, I chose to migrate to the United States with my husband to support his career move. Despite my qualifications, I spent six years as a “resident alien” before I could earn the permit to work, which eventually came when I became a permanent resident. During this time, I was fortunate that I didn’t need to support my family financially. I embraced the role of a full-time mom and dedicated my time to volunteering with multiple nonprofits, contributing meaningfully to my community.
But what about those who cannot afford this luxury? What about the individuals who risk their lives just to cross borders in search of safety and opportunity?
The human cost of closed borders is a stark reality. The International Organization for Migration’s Missing Migrants Project paints a grim picture: in 2023 alone, over 8,500 migrants died attempting to cross borders worldwide, making it the deadliest year on record for the organization. These numbers represent not only lost lives, but shattered families and a reminder of the desperation driving irregular migration.
But why do migrants risk their lives to cross borders illegally, knowing the dangers that await them? The answer lies in the systemic failures and misconceptions surrounding immigration. Contrary to popular belief, the reasons driving migration are complex and multifaceted. Economic disparities, political instability, war, conflict, violence and persecution, force individuals to flee their homes in search of safety and opportunity (UNHCR).
Demographic imbalances further complicate the global migration landscape. Wealthier nations with aging populations and shrinking workforces increasingly rely on immigrant labor. Concurrently, climate change exacerbates these issues by displacing millions through extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, climate change could force 216 million people to migrate within their own countries. This creates a scenario where some countries face labor shortages while others deal with population displacement. It also raises critical questions about ensuring safe passage and creating opportunities for climate-displaced individuals, given the current lack of a clear legal framework for climate migration.
Several regional initiatives offer glimpses of hope. The European Union’s Schengen Area allows passport-free movement for citizens of 26 member states. This has demonstrably boosted trade and tourism within the region. The African Union’s ambitious Agenda 2063 envisions a continent with free movement of people and goods. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Integration (PACER Plus) allows visa-free travel for citizens of its 14 member states. These examples highlight the potential economic and social benefits of regional freedom of movement.
While regional initiatives offer a promising path forward, robust legal frameworks are essential to ensure the rights and dignity of migrants. ICAAD recently proposed a new legal standard that defines a climate-displaced person’s right to life with dignity. This framework offers a valuable starting point for discussions on how to protect those forced to move due to climate change.
However, these successes are not without their challenges. Concerns over security, particularly in the wake of terrorist attacks, have led to temporary border closures within the Schengen Area. Implementation gaps and national interests can hinder the smooth functioning of regional agreements. Additionally, issues of social integration and fair labor practices need careful consideration when facilitating large-scale migration.
How can we ensure human dignity and safety while respecting the fundamental right to freedom of movement in a world facing climate displacement and humanitarian crises?
First and foremost, we must recognize the humanity of migrants and refugees. We must reject the dehumanizing rhetoric that seeks to vilify and scapegoat those who seek nothing more than safety and opportunity. Secondly, we must address the root causes of forced migration, including economic inequality, political instability, and environmental degradation. This requires a commitment to global cooperation and solidarity, grounded in principles of justice and equity.
Furthermore, we must dismantle the systems of oppression and exploitation that perpetuate the cycle of migration. This means challenging the economic policies that enrich the few at the expense of the many, and advocating for fair and just trade practices that benefit all. It means holding accountable the governments and corporations that profit from war and environmental destruction, and demanding reparations for the communities they have displaced.
Here are some key recommendations:
Developing Integrated Development Strategies: Addressing the root causes of migration is essential. The World Development Report (WDR) 2023 highlights the importance of coordinated development efforts that address not just economic factors, but also social and political issues driving migration. It emphasizes the need to involve both origin and destination countries in planning and implementing development projects. These strategies can create sustainable development opportunities, reduce the pressures that lead to forced migration, and promote stability and growth in regions most affected by migration flows.
Strengthening Cooperation: Regional agreements are pivotal in effective migration management, enhancing international partnerships, financial tools, and inclusive policy making. These agreements can distribute the responsibility of hosting refugees through quotas and coordinated resettlement efforts. Additionally, collaborative initiatives for search and rescue operations in areas of conflict or environmental disasters are essential to ensure the safety and security of migrants. Such cooperation not only alleviates the pressure on individual countries but also promotes a collective approach to addressing migration challenges, enhancing both regional stability and global solidarity.
Enhancing Legal Migration Pathways: WDR 2023 emphasizes the importance of “match and motive” policies, aligning migrants’ skills with destination countries’ needs and considering their motives (economic opportunity, fleeing persecution). This approach can lessen integration challenges by filling skill gaps and attracting talent. The report also recommends that the host countries should adopt a holistic approach that fulfills labor market demands while promoting the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees by providing targeted support. This includes language training or job placement programs, granting appropriate rights, and ensuring fair labor market access.
Empowering Civil Society: Supporting local organizations working with migrants and refugees is critical. These groups play a vital role in providing essential services, promoting social integration, and advocating for the rights of displaced people. They also amplify the voices of the underrepresented in the migration debate, ensuring that policies and practices are informed by the experiences and needs of those directly affected.
Rethinking Borders: Instead of pouring resources into AI-powered surveillance and biometric data collection that often infringe upon privacy and human rights, we should invest in human-centered approaches. Multilateral freedom of movement agreements, modeled on Schengen or adapted regionally, show that flexibility, not rigidity, can yield both economic and social dividends. Smarter policies honor the human right to mobility while balancing reasonable security measures and sustainable integration programs.
In a more interconnected world, freedom of movement policies serve as a model for how flexibility rather than rigidity in dealing with borders can yield benefits. By embracing a combination of security, cooperation, and a commitment to human dignity, we can create a world where movement is not a desperate act, but an opportunity for a better life.
