Quality Education
VI. Migration within and across regions
International migration often takes place within regions, facilitated by geographical proximity and by the close economic, social and cultural ties with shared borders or countries within the same region often enjoy. Yet there are differences between regions in the balance of intra-versus inter-regional migration. While nearly all international migrants born in Europe live in another European country, this is not the case for migrants born in Central and Southern Asia, in Latin America and the Caribbean, or in Northern America. The spatial distribution of transnational populations also varies, with some being highly concentrated in a small number of countries of destination and others dispersed across various countries and regions. Refugees and asylum seekers tend to cluster in neighbouring countries or in other countries of first asylum often located within the same region.
Preface
This report, International Migration and Sustainable Development, examines the linkages between international migration and the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It is organized in four parts.
XIV. Gender equality and women’s empowerment
International migration and gender dynamics are intrinsically linked, with each of them affecting and being shaped by the other. Migration can increase women’s status, power and decisionmaking in society and contribute to promoting greater gender equality. However, migrant women can also face barriers that prevent them from taking part fully and equally in the social, political and economic life of host societies. In addition, they can be at high risk of suffering from exploitation, violence and abuse. Gender-responsive migration policies can address the specific needs of migrant women, reduce their vulnerability and promote their empowerment and inclusion.
V. Where do migrants come from?
The desire and ability to migrate are shaped by the context of people’s lives, by the resources available to them and by the barriers that they face. Spatial patterns of international migrant origins reflect these underlying asymmetries, which in turn are an expression of differences in levels of development within and among countries, among other factors. Most international migrants today come from middle-income countries and not from the world’s poorest countries. Among major regions, Europe still has the largest diaspora. In recent decades, however, the gap between Europe and other regions as a place of origin has narrowed, with numbers of persons living abroad rising more rapidly for some other regions than for Europe. For Latin America and the Caribbean, Northern Africa and Western Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa, much of the recent increase in the size of their diaspora has been due to forced migration. Over the past decades, the number of countries from which migrants originate has grown. However, 41 per cent of all international migrants worldwide still hail from just 15 countries.
XII. Health and well-being
Migrants are often healthier than the rest of the population. Nevertheless, they may also face adverse circumstances resulting in negative health outcomes. Providing migrants with access to both essential and emergency healthcare is critical to upholding the pledge of the 2030 Agenda that no one will be left behind. International migrants make important contributions as doctors, nurses, other medical personnel and caregivers in many countries of destination. However, for countries of origin that face acute domestic shortages of qualified healthcare professionals, the emigration of such workers can undermine efforts to ensure universal access to healthcare. Promoting the return of healthcare workers, supporting their reintegration into the labour force and facilitating the recognition and utilization of their skills are example of measure that countries of origin can take to mitigate some of the negative impacts of the emigration of such workers.
VII. International migrants and their distribution by sex
Women and girls make up around half of all international migrants globally. Women and girls also comprise around half of all refugees and asylum seekers. At the global level in recent decades, the number of male migrants has grown more rapidly than has the number of female migrants, mainly as a result of the large influx of male migrant workers to Northern Africa and Western Asia. The transnational populations of some countries are predominantly female while others are predominantly male. These differences have important implications, including for the flow of remittances, for patterns of return migration and for the provision of care to older persons and children in countries of both origin and destination.
Acknowledgements
This report was prepared by Clare Menozzi of the Population Division.
II. International migration and sustainable development
International migration and development are intrinsically interlinked, with migration being both a response to, and a determinant of, development. Because international migration is a multidimensional phenomenon with important social and economic implications for societies of origin, transit and destination, it requires coordinated and coherent policy responses. International migrants are important agents of change, making positive contributions to sustainable development in communities of origin and destination. They are also, however, among the groups most vulnerable to being “left behind” and excluded from the benefits of development. International migration can support the achievement of many Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
XVII. Urbanization and sustainable cities
In countries of origin of international migrants, persons often move to large urban centers within their own country before acquiring the resources and skills needed to migrate abroad. At destination, international migrants are often drawn by the economic opportunities and social or professional networks present in cities. In host societies, international migrants can contribute to urban renewal, revitalizing areas that had been abandoned by native-born populations. The economic and social contributions of international migrants can reinforce the status of cities as centres of innovation and creativity. Cities, however, can also amplify the vulnerability and inequality experienced by migrants. Recognizing the contributions and placespecific vulnerabilities of international migrants is critical for more effective urban planning and governance.
Every child has the right to be counted
Data provide the foundation for understanding who children with disabilities are and the scope and depth of the deprivation they face. When put to use through advocacy and in forging transformative policies and programmes, data have the power to change lives.
Every child has the right to survive and thrive
All children have the right to survive and develop, and to live a life free from disease, illness or other conditions that affect their well-being and future prospects. Access to adequate nutrition and quality health care, including immunization, is paramount in making this right a reality for every child.
Every child has the right to a nurturing family environment, free from violence
All children have the right to grow up in a family environment that provides them with the love, nutrition, protection, opportunities for early learning and responsive care they require to survive, grow and thrive.