We seek to support social integration and decent work for all and to fight forced migration and human trafficking throughout the world.
Refugees and Migrants
Migrants and Refugees contribute greatly to their host countries from both an economic and cultural perspective. Unfortunately, around the world, they are subject to violations of human rights, discrimination, and exploitation.
According to the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), “Violations of economic, social and cultural rights are daily experiences for countless migrants who are denied access to public health care, adequate housing, and essential social protection.” Migrants and Refugees, especially women and children, are among the most vulnerable groups in society.
As advocates for Refugees and Migrants, UNANIMA International is committed to ensuring everyone has the ability to obtain all their rights and live in a safe welcoming environment. As a member of the NGO Committee on Migration in New York, UNANIMA has worked for the recognition and protection of the rights of all migrants.
We seek to support social integration and decent work for all and to fight forced migration and human trafficking throughout the world. UNANIMA International was an active advocate of these concerns during the negotiations and adoption of the Global Compact on Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees. Now in their implementation stage, UNANIMA International continues to advocate for Migrants and Refugees, their rights, and the implementation of these compacts at the local, national and international levels.
Update on the NGO
Committee on Migration
The NGO Committee on Migration has continued regular monthly meetings throughout 2023. UNANIMA International’s Executive Assistant, Lara Hicks, is a member of the Subcommittee on Children in Migration. For CSocD61, the Subcommittee on Children in Migration organized a side event titled “Don’t Steal My Childhood! Child Labor and Children in Migration,” which was co-sponsored by UNANIMA International in addition to 10 other NGOs and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations.
The side event featured the following panelists:
- H.E. Ambassador Maritza Chan, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations
- Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Representative on Violence against Children
- Michaëlle De Cock, Head of the Research and Evaluation Unit for ILO-FUNDAMENTALS
- Nina Smith, CEO of GoodWeave International
- Two children from Kids Club Kampala (Joshua and Aidah)
This event was greatly received due to the inclusion of children with lived experience of forced labor as speakers for the event. Additionally, the Children in Migration Subcommittee has launched an appeal on the subject of child labor titled: “A CALL TO STOP STEALING CHILDREN’S LIVES.” You can view the recording here (Passcode: %X4X$#0N).
