Migration and Development

Not since records began have so many people migrated within their own country or across borders as now. In 2018, 70 million people were fleeing from conflicts and persecution alone. Whether people flee from violence or want to escape poverty – they are all searching for security and better living conditions. Or, in the words of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights of migrants (2015): ‘They all see migration as the only way out of dire straits’.

On their journey, but also at their destination, migrants are exposed to particular dangers: They risk death by drowning at sea, detention in appalling conditions, physical abuse, exploitation as cheap labour, becoming impoverished or considered stateless if they cannot prove their nationality. The protection of human rights for migrants has yet made little progress.  

Caritas is committed to working for the rights of all migrants, irrespective of their status, and for safe and regular migration for all:

• It combats human trafficking, for example by raising awareness among parents, communities and public interest groups, promoting the development of reporting systems, or integrating particularly vulnerable people better in the labour market. At the same time, Caritas supports victims in their reintegration in society.
• Caritas promotes decent living and working conditions for migrants. It helps displaced people to access education, work and housing opportunities and facilitates networking. Caritas promotes their empowerment so migrants can defend their rights and overcome social exclusion.
• Caritas is committed to exploring ways of how remittances sent by migrants to their home countries can help to reduce poverty in the respective countries.

The actions of Caritas are based on the belief that self-determined migration that respects human dignity contributes significantly to social and economic development and is a source of human and cultural enrichment.