11 Migration
Migration is as old as humanity. People have always been migrating and for various reasons, either in search of better living conditions or simply because migration or mobility belongs to their way of life. Those who decide to go live in another country are often young and haven't started their own family yet.
According to the International Organisation for Migration, approximately 33% of the world's population lives in a country other than their country of origin. Mobility due to the technical possibilities, as well as the globalised economy, cause international migration to grow. This development also has an effect on the forms of migration. Communication and easier mobility promote the networking of international migrants.
There are various ways how migration can contribute to the development of immigration or emigration countries. While the immigration countries profit hugely from the migrant workers' labour, these contribute to the development of their countries of origin, partly when they send money to their relatives. The total amount of those money transfers exceeds by far the amount the developed countries spend on development cooperation. Migration also contributes to the development through transfer of knowledge and skills, i.e. through training and formation. The transfer should however be invested in a sustainable manner, with a longterm perspective, and not only contribute to immediate consumption but be invested, for example, in training and formation. These issues are important for the youth since they are most often affected by migration.
Every migrant has their own personal story and living conditions; these depend on their legal status, the employment situation, the governmental regulation of migration, as well as the attitude of the country of destination and its people. Some migrants find themselves in a weak position and are subjected to discrimination, racism, exploitation or even human trafficking.
How can migration be part of youth development cooperation projects?
The specific conditions in the country where the project is to be carried out will largely define how migration is approached. Generally speaking, the contribution of migrants, whether they have immigrated or emigrated, to the project in question may be considered.
- How can young immigrants contribute to the country's development (personal input, labour, skills or knowledge)?
- How can young emigrants, despite having left, contribute to their country of origin's development (money transfer, knowledge transfer, sharing experiences, maintaining networks and connections, participating in projects, etc.)?
- How can these opportunities be enhanced to support sustainable development?
- Has migration caused tensions in the country? How can they be defused?
Youth organisations can play an important role in this process. They can help prevent racism and discrimination, and can enhance the migrants' contributions to their organisation and society in general.
Links:
International Organisation for Migration
http://www.iom.int
Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies
http://www.migration-population.ch
Xenophilia (a computer game for young people; in German or French)
http://www.sad.ch/en/terminated/Xenophilia.html
Toolkit of the International Organisation for Migration
http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/activities/by-theme/facilitating-migration/migrant-integration/not-just-numbers-educational-toolkit
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