Every year on December 18 the world marks International Migrants Day to recognize the contribution of migrants to their countries of origin, transit and destination, while highlighting the challenges that migrants often face.
To commemorate International Migrants Day in Tajikistan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with UNICEF, UN Women and FAO, and in partnership with the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of the Population of Tajikistan, organized a roundtable entitled “Migration Processes: Trends, Challenges and Perspectives”
Press release issued by IOM’s Mission in Tajikistan says that in its first half, the roundtable delved into the importance of migration regulations to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration from Tajikistan; the second half was dedicated to discussing the challenges that migrants face upon returning home, as well as opportunities and best practices for the reintegration of returned migrants.
As part of the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) project, UNICEF reportedly presented a situational analysis conducted in two districts of Khatlon province, Dousti and Kulob, on the psychosocial and economic status of women and children from migrant-sending families who have remained behind, and the availability of community-based support services with a particular focus on psychosocial, emotional, medical, livelihood, educational and social services.
Alexander Maier, PhD candidate at Columbia University in New York and IOM consultant, presented his doctoral research highlighting the agency of migrants and the development potential of migration: “The world marks International Migrants Day to recognize the important contribution of migrants. My research is based on the belief that migrants themselves are the most knowledgeable about their needs and the challenges they face, and that their perspectives should guide and inform migration policy and practice”.
The roundtable reportedly highlighted the importance of migration in the realization of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Migrants have proven to be a source of prosperity and innovation to countries of origin and transit, and in host countries. Their financial contribution through remittances offers a lifeline to families and their role in the labor market remains invaluable. Their knowledge, networks, and skills have greatly contributed to the development of resilient communities.
Strengthening the contribution of migrants to development requires collective effort. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) offers the opportunity and guidance to actualize human mobility and seize the opportunities it presents.
