United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has said migration sometimes happening in a context of significant forced displacement adding that most people move by choice, while over 100 million people tragically been forcibly displaced worldwide, including by failing authoritarian regimes.
Blinken who disclosed this in commemoration of International Migration Day, 18th December, recognized the contributions of individual migrants, as well as their rights and struggles, reiterated the United States’ actions to support safe, orderly, and humane migration around the world.
He explained further that Climate change has caused millions to leave their homes. “Disasters alone led to 23.7 million internal displacements in 2021. Conflict, violence, persecution, human rights violations and abuses, economic hardship, as well as climate change push people to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety and better opportunities.
Secretary of State emphasized that challenges of irregular migration exacerbated by COVID-19 and climate impacts are difficult, “but they are not impossible to address if all nations face them together. No single country can address, resolve migration issues on its own”.
According to him, “There are hundreds of millions of international migrants globally, each a person with a name, a unique story, and a reason for leaving their home.
“People migrate for work or education, to reunite with families, and to seek new opportunities for themselves as well as their families. Some migrate temporarily and return home, while others seek to immigrate safely and lawfully to other countries”.
Blinken stated further that United States recognizes that to achieve safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration, the world need comprehensive regional and global plans that address these complex issues.
“For example, since June, 21 countries, including the United States, have endorsed the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection to strengthen shared response to irregular migration and forced displacement throughout the Western Hemisphere. We are now joining with our partners to turn the Declaration’s principles into joint action”.
He noted that the United States is proud to be the largest single provider of humanitarian assistance worldwide reaching people in need, including refugees, conflict victims, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, and vulnerable migrants.
He revealed that in Fiscal Year 2022, the United States provided more than $17 billion in humanitarian aid, an increase of more than 30 percent over the prior year.
Adding that United States is committed to working collaboratively with governments, civil society, international organizations, and other partners to address the root causes of irregular migration and to manage migration humanely.
