Statement by Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi at the International Organization for Migration

(November 26, 2009) The increasing number of people on the move across the globe, especially the vast majority of those forcibly displaced by lack of survival opportunities, by violence and climate change, has raised new and complex demands for solidarity, humanitarian assistance and protection, said Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva. He was addressing at the 98th Session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration held from November 23^rd to 26^th. The challenge to international organizations, governments and the civil society comes from the fact that while necessity is the common factor that pushes these people out of their country, the legal norms that define their status applies differently and in some cases is blurred or even disregarded, said the Archbishop. Many countries on all continents, as examples indicate, experience the presence of irregular migrants, a reality that will remain with us as long as insecurity due to environment degradation, violations of human rights, wars and lack of opportunity persist, he added. Further, it is also well documented that irregular migration often matches the labour market demand in countries of destination. For the most part, they fill huge gaps in providing essential labour and services, often of the most demanding kind, in both highly and lesser skilled occupations. And yet, a consequence of their status is that irregular migrants become vulnerable to widespread exploitation and abuse, can be used for unfair competition, and experience serious, but avoidable personal and public health concerns. At the same time said the Prelate, Migrants add a human face to the on-going process of globalization and can be instrument and promoters of peaceful relations among countries making visible the reality that we are one human family.