Today is International Migrants Day. A time to honour the journey taken by many in search of a new life and to reflect on the challenges faced. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to think about how, as one human family, we are called to treat others with compassion.
The global picture
Internationally, over 204 million people have left their home migrate to another country, a figure that has nearly doubled since 1990. For some, migration is a choice for a better future for themselves and their family. However, for many, it is a necessity driven by incredibly difficult circumstances.
People migrate for various reasons:
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Poverty and economic instability
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Conflict, war, violence, and human rights violations
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Natural disasters due to climate change
Whatever the reason, people are often faced with incomprehensible and unsafe circumstances that force them to leave home and embark on the unknown.
The challenges faced along the road
Leaving an unsafe situation requires immense resilience, but the journey often brings psychological distress and ongoing barriers.
Migrants frequently encounter challenges such as:
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Dangerous and life-threatening conditions
Many migrants undertake dangerous journeys, often facing violence, exploitation, and unsafe travel routes. According to UN data, tens of thousands have died or gone missing since 2014.
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Gender-specific risks
Women, gender-diverse people, and transgender individuals are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and discrimination.
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Human trafficking and smuggling
When safe migration pathways are limited, the likelihood of trafficking and exploitation rises, especially for women and children.
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Social exclusion and discrimination
Migrants often experience racism, xenophobia, and systemic bias, including microaggressions, which hinder social inclusion and equal rights.
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Economic exploitation
Many migrants are confined to insecure, low-paying jobs with poor working conditions, leaving them open to abuse.
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Mental and physical health impacts
Trauma from displacement and migration stress can lead to severe mental health challenges, compounded by limited access to healthcare.
A moment of reflection
You may or may not have your own migration story. International Migrants Day invites us all to learn, reflect, and act with compassion.
Pope Leo reminds us: “I believe we must seek ways of treating people with humanity, with the dignity that is theirs.”
The Gospel also reflects this truth. Even Jesus experienced challenges similar to those faced by migrants, such as social prejudice. As Pope Leo explores in Dilexi te, Jesus’ life was marked by poverty and exclusion:
“From the moment he entered the world, Jesus knew the bitter experience of rejection… Jesus was born in humble surroundings and laid in a manger; then, to save him from being killed, they fled to Egypt.”
This is a powerful message to acknowledge that even Mary and Jesus were forced to migrate for the sake of their own safety. It’s a reminder of the importance of treating others with inherent dignity and respect, as we are all part of the same human family.
We're working with on-the-ground partners around the world to bring immediate and long-term humanitarian assistance to people fleeing conflict, violence, global crises and the impacts of climate change.
