International Migration

International Migration

International Migration and Displacement

International migration and displacement is not only a humanitarian crisis, but also an urgent global security problem. International migration is defined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as the movement of people from their usual place of origin across an international border to a country where they are not nationals. In past generations, humans have migrated all across the world either to find better employment opportunities, to be with families, or to live a different lifestyle. However, there are also many who have had to migrate against their will to escape poverty, terrorism, war, climate change, natural disasters, human rights violations, and/or worse.

 

Despite the efforts that have been made already to deal with the issue, millions of people across the world continue to live without guarantee of safety, security, and shelter. While migration can strengthen and enrich societies, especially over time, abrupt shifts in international migration and displacement can also add strain to national welfare state programs, heighten global humanitarian needs, create opportunities for political dissension, and allow transnational criminal organizations to exploit vulnerable populations among migrants. International migration and displacement is therefore a global security problem that requires effective mechanisms and funding for a global humanitarian response.