The year 2023 brought with it tragic news of the highest death toll of migrants in transit, highlighting the dangers and challenges faced by individuals seeking a better life in a new country. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his concern over the rising tide of misinformation, hate speech, and division that distorts the valuable contributions that migrants make to societies worldwide.
Despite these challenges, the potential of safe and well-managed migration remains clear. Migrants play a crucial role in boosting economies, addressing labor shortages, and driving innovation globally. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration’s third report underscores the urgency of addressing migrant safety, as nearly 70,000 migrants have died or gone missing since 2014, with the true numbers likely higher.
The report calls for stronger international cooperation to prevent migrant deaths, enhance identification efforts, and support affected families. Migrant smuggling continues to pose severe risks, with smugglers exploiting barriers to legal migration and profiting from the desperation of those fleeing conflict or poverty.
The UN Protocol against Smuggling of Migrants serves as the primary legal framework to combat this crime, with efforts by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime focusing on supporting countries to implement the protocol, prosecute smugglers, and protect migrants’ rights. This year, two UN Committees highlighted the urgent need to address the compounded challenges faced by migrants with disabilities, often overlooked by existing policies and services.
As migration remains a global reality, collective action is needed to create pathways that prioritize safety and opportunity for all migrants. The UN stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of migration and ensuring that individuals can move safely and legally across borders.
In addition to the challenges faced by migrants, hunger in the Arab region has intensified amid escalating crises in 2023. A new report titled 2024 Near East and North Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, released by the UN, FAO, and WFP, reveals that 66.1 million people, approximately 14 percent of the Arab region’s population, faced hunger in 2023.
Access to adequate food remains a significant challenge, with 186.5 million people experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity, an increase from the previous year. Conflict is identified as the primary driver of food insecurity and malnutrition in the region, further exacerbated by economic challenges, high income inequalities, and climate extremes.
Rising food prices have worsened the crisis, with undernourishment rates in conflict-affected countries soaring to 26.4 percent, compared to 6.6 percent in non-conflict areas. The report warns that food security and nutrition indicators are likely to deteriorate further due to ongoing conflicts and economic struggles in the region.
Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach, involving governments, international organizations, and civil society to ensure that individuals have access to adequate food, safe migration pathways, and protection from exploitation and harm. The UN calls for increased efforts to address the root causes of migration, promote inclusive policies, and support vulnerable populations in conflict-affected regions.
In conclusion, the year 2023 has highlighted the urgent need for global cooperation to address the challenges faced by migrants and individuals experiencing food insecurity in the Arab region. By working together to create safe and inclusive environments for all, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.
