TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY IOM Invites the Media to Celebrate International Migrants Day on 18 December 2014 Pretoria , Thursday 18 December 2014 - On 4 December 2000, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day. Today, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is inviting media institutions to join the international community in observing International Migrants Day through the dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, and through the sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure migrants protection. On this day, it is important to recognize the important contribution of migration to development and the need for regional and international cooperation to address the challenges of irregular migration. IOM is also calling upon the media to strongly condemn manifestations of xenophobia and intolerance and promote the need to improve public perceptions of migrants and migration in South Africa. “We know that migration – and particularly irregular migration - is a controversial topic around the world. Too often the debate focuses on the perceived negative socio-economic impact of migration in terms of cultures and jobs. We urgently need to change the lens through which people view migration and we need your help to do this,” says IOM Director General, Ambassador William Lacy Swing, in his official message for the 2014 International Migrants Day. “IOM’s information campaign highlighting the Contributions of Migrants is crucial in countering misinformation by presenting evidence in readily understandable ways. Better evidence, data and evaluations of the impact of migration policies and programmes is key to countering misconceptions about the real scale and impact of migration. Success stories are also important. In 2014 we encouraged IOM missions to engage more in the world of social media with our #MigrationMeans campaign on Twitter and Facebook,” he adds. South Africa is a preferred destination for various categories of migrants and thus faces a number of migration-related challenges, including, inter alia: increased prevalence of irregular migration, including women and unaccompanied minors; inadequate migration management policies and border management processes; rising xenophobic sentiments that in some cases turn into actual violence against migrants; high prevalence of communicable diseases such as HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis; and continued brain drain due to the emigration of skilled nationals. Unfortunately this is the context that migrants, whether voluntary or forced, find themselves in when they get to South Africa. However, it is undeniable that migration has its own challenges; it is also equally befitting that migrants can help diversify and invigorate societies. Migrants and refugees do bring economic dynamism, entrepreneurship, new ideas and contribute to culturally diverse communities. On this day, IOM encourages the media to consider the following topics for discussion 1.How does migration, both internal (rural to urban) and cross border make South Africa’s economy move? How has migration benefited the big metropolitan cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban economically? 2.How do migrants contribute to the informal township economy? Specifically looking at migrant informal traders. 3.Migrants as Part of their New Community. How can migrants become active ’citizens’ and be a part of the solution to make South Africa a better place for all? As IOM we believe local integration can enhance public perception of migrants and refugees in our communities and also promote inclusive neighborhoods. IOM avails itself to help the media to shape these conversations and participate in interviews when required. For more information, please contact Gaone Dixon at IOM Pretoria, Tel: +27 72 127 7094, Email: [email protected] https://youtube/watch?v=cqe4E-0F1AQ
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 08:10:30 +0000
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