As the world marks the 2019 International Migrants Day today, the Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) has called on nations and the media to be at the forefront of abolishing all dichotomies against human migration.
This is with a view to promote safe and regular migration in order to encourage unhindered human movements across the globe.
A statement released in Lagos on Tuesday by JIFORM President, Mr. Abayomi Ajibola noted that migration was as old as man hence not a crime.
The statement however said that this was without prejudice to right of every country and system to stem the tide of criminality in all forms.
It noted that JIFORM was of the view that migrants were potential economic developers and should be treated with all respects as contained in the frame work of international law and United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
“We recommend the example of Nigeria through the migrant-e registration that allowed all migrants in Nigeria to register with the Nigeria Immigration Service with a view to capture their data and regularize their status instead of harsh conditions migrants are subjected to in Europe and other continents.
“The world must not lose sight of the fact that many countries are still treating migrants as criminals by subjecting them to all forms of abuses.
“JIFORM hereby charges media to drop the usage of the word “illegal” to describe migrants and completely refrain from blaming them for their actions in relation to migration”, it said.
It continued, “We endorsed the charter for Africa particularly in relation to this era of rapid globalization, human migration has evolved into a dynamic phenomenon with respect to the multitude of factors contributing to the migration of unparalleled numbers of migrants across immense geographical trajectories.
“Africa Union must reflect on the nine thematic adopted during its ECouncil Ninth Ordinary Session 25 – 29 June 2006 Banjul, in Gambia and formulate policies to implement actions on: labor migration, border management, irregular migration, forced displacement, human rights of migrants, internal migration, migration data, migration and development and inter-state cooperation and partnerships to develop the continent.”
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