Migrants, Guterres: “Mass movements are necessary but must be controlled”

In an interview with “Repubblica”, the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, observes that “the history of the world is largely the history of human mobility. Mass migration over the centuries has created today’s world. The phenomenon did not arise out of nowhere in recent decades. But it must be managed in a way that respects the human rights of refugees, migrants and host countries.” “At the same time – continues the secretary -, it is essential to distinguish between refugees and migrants. Refugees are fleeing persecution and conflict. According to the 1951 Convention, governments must open their borders to them and protect them. Migrants do not benefit from these specific protections, but their fundamental human rights must be respected. In 2023, of the over 150 thousand people who arrived in Italy by sea, 72% came from African countries”. There are obvious reasons for this: “Many Africans emigrate in search of economic opportunities. The reform of the international financial architecture would allow the countries of the continent to increase their investments in sustainable development, creating jobs and opportunities for the population. Africans should find a future in Africa. Migration should always be a choice, not a necessity.”

According to Guterres “it is also important to create organized forms of migration between countries of origin and destination. There are many areas where developed countries need migrants. Migration is essential, but it must be organized. In this context, the Mattei Plan could be an opportunity not only to fight the root causes that force people to undertake dangerous journeys, but to support African countries that host the majority of human beings fleeing crises.” At the same time, he urges “the countries of the Global North to fight human trafficking. No one can achieve this goal alone, which is why global efforts are needed to organize and manage migration,” concluded Guterres.

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