Reinforcing commitment to building inclusive societies for migrants

Ahead of this year’s International Migrants Day holding on December 18, the need for countries and regions to collaborate and advocate for policies that align with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 143, which seeks to create an environment where migrants are embraced, protected and empowered has become very critical, GLORIA NWAFOR reports.

In recent years, conflict, insecurity and the effects of climate change have heavily contributed to the massive movements of persons either within countries or across borders.

A study says that as of the year 2020, the approximate number of migrants globally stood at 281 million, out of which 48 per cent were female migrants, while over 59 million people were internally displaced by the end of 2021.

According to the United Nations, many migrant workers are often in temporary, informal or unprotected jobs, exposing them to a greater risk of insecurity, layoffs and poor working conditions.

The global body said due to a persistent lack of safe and regular migration pathways, millions continue to explore irregular routes. It stated that since 2014, more than 50,000 migrants have lost their lives in migratory routes across the world.

However, despite this, it said migrants have proven to be a source of prosperity, innovation and sustainable development to countries of origin, transit and host countries.

Indeed, migrants’ financial contribution through remittance offers a lifeline to families and spurs local markets, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Specifically, diaspora remittances to Nigeria in 2022 stood at $21.9 billion, while that of India in the same year was $110 billion. Experts say it is a huge contribution to the economy of a nation by the group, notwithstanding their knowledge, networks and skills that have greatly contributed to the development of resilient communities.

To improve the governance of migration and address the challenges they face, the experts are of the view that strengthening their contribution to sustainable development requires collective effort.

As part of efforts to commemorate the day and recognise migrants’ contribution in Nigeria, the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC), a unit in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) over the weekend in Lagos, celebrated the migrant communities in Lagos, where countries like India, Mali, Ghana, Liberia and the Philippines, were in attendance and graced the occasion with different foods, dances, dressing and culture.

Head of MRC, Lagos, Maureen Ovie, said the celebration came earlier as most of the migrants may not be in Nigeria on December 18, as many would go on vacation for the yuletide season. She said the occasion was to reinforce the commitment to building inclusive societies where every migrant is valued, respected and granted the dignity they deserve.

Ovie, who is also a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said there is a need for nations to join hands to protect migrants better anywhere they are found and not see them as less of a human.

She said the purpose was to celebrate the diversity and resilience of migrants worldwide and reaffirm the centre’s dedication to fostering a world where their rights are upheld, their contributions recognised and their aspirations supported.

“We echo the principles laid out in the ILO Convention 143 on Migrant Protection, which Convention I am happy and proud to affirm its ratification in March this year by Nigeria. This pivotal convention embodies the commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of migrant workers and their families. It serves as a beacon guiding us towards ensuring fair treatment, non-discrimination, decent work and the fundamental human rights of all migrants,” she said.

Executive Assistant to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Head, Lagos State on Diaspora Affairs, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, spoke on the role of the global community and the potential of migrants in achieving sustainable development.

According to him, there must be collaborative efforts among states, nations and regions to be able to address migrants’ challenges. Sanwo-Olu, who was the guest speaker, said to achieve collaborative efforts on shared knowledge and history in dealing with migrants’ situation, there was a need to understand and learn peculiarities while getting a working template to address it globally.

Recognising the fact that there are a lot of migrants in Lagos, he said the governor was interested in championing the cause, the reason he set up the office of Diaspora Affairs, to cater to the peculiar needs of the diasporan communities and other nations’ resident in Lagos.

He urged the migrants to look at sustainable development through environmental stewardship, social equity and their role in ensuring the development of nations globally.

As part of bringing the migrant communities together, he revealed plans by the state to unveil diaspora community games, where they would all come together and compete for talent.

“Addressing the cons of irregular migration would go a long way if we go together as a nation. The AU, ECOWAS and community of states come together in collaboration with states in the global north who may finance, support and pass policies to nations to partner for progress.

“Having about 2,000 Malians in Lagos and more than 45,000 Indians, we want to have a community of diaspora, where we will have activities such as recognitions, awards and celebrate their contribution to Lagos.

“It is not just homogenous but a confluence of people coming together from various nations that contributed over the years to make Lagos a global city that attracts the best. We want them to come together to create unity and bond and let them know that Governor Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos government is there for them and celebrate their contribution to the state. On the proposed game, we are looking at the first quarter of early next year,” he added.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of Ascentech Services Limited, Prabbakoran Sheeju, a migrant, with so many years in Nigeria, urged that migrants must abide by the rules and procedures of their country of stay.

Stating that Africans started migrating from time immemorial, said Africa has great potential. He said they were at the celebration to give back to the host community.

In his address at the just-concluded 347th session of the ILO Governing Body, the Director General, Gilbert Houngbo, stressed: “The ILO must continue to fight against all forms of discrimination, exclusion and inequality at work, directed at all groups, including those most marginalised and most vulnerable, at the national, regional and global levels.

“Convention No. 143 is bound to make a key contribution in this sense by establishing the basic rights and protections for migrant workers in an irregular situation and broadening pre-existing standards regarding equality of treatment for migrant workers in a regular situation.”