At a time when human needs and aspirations continue to grow, and in light of the economic and political crises the world is experiencing, and amid the increasing factors driving people to seek a better life and explore new opportunities for themselves and their families, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS) commemorates International Migrants Day, to honor the people who have chosen adventure over comfort and moved to another country in pursuit of education, work, or to escape the environmental impacts of climate change or conflict. Among these migrants are those who have excelled in science, those who have distinguished themselves professionally, those who have made a positive impact on society, and those who have contributed to literary, artistic, and cultural life. Among them are also the marginalized, those who are in dire need of assistance and support to integrate and adapt to their new societies and overcome the difficulties they face.
On this day, LAS highlights migrants of all categories and emphasizes the importance of maximizing the benefits of migration, while addressing the risks and challenges faced by individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination. This is achieved by supporting skilled migrants and highlighting their positive role, assisting vulnerable migrant groups, urging all relevant stakeholders to try to improve the conditions of these groups, enabling migrants and communities to achieve integration and social cohesion, eliminating all forms of discrimination, and creating conditions that help migrants to fully contribute to development in countries of origin and destination, in accordance with the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), and ensuring that no one is left behind, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
LAS draws attention to the fact that the measures taken by some major countries to ban the entry of migrants from certain developing countries could have serious negative repercussions on global migration policies, as other countries may adopt similar policies that contradict human nature. Migration began with the descent of humankind to Earth and has always been an integral part of human behavior, contributing to the shaping and development of the world throughout history. Such measures represent a significant regression in the field of migration, and their risks must be recognized and avoided.
In recognition of the importance of international partnership and cooperation to reducing irregular migration, minimizing its negative effects, and achieving safe, orderly, and regular migration, and that no country can address the challenges or fully harness the opportunities associated with migration on its own, LAS seizes this opportunity to urge Arab Member States to participate in the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) scheduled to take place in May 2026, and to present their efforts to follow up on the implementation of the GCM.
