Family, Migration and Dignity

Despite the fact that international migrants comprise 3.1 percent of the world population, international migration is at the heart of societal, economic and political debates. This may be attributed, in part, to the fact that the estimated 214 million international migrants are not evenly distributed among countries and regions. Citizens in some countries comprise a minority compared to expatriates. The case of the Arab Gulf countries is a classical model of this demographic imbalance. Moreover, while females comprise 49 percent of international migrants, sex composition of international migrants is imbalanced among countries and regions.

Because of the economic nature of migration, keeping aside forced migration, some members of families leave their origin for better-paid jobs in destination countries. This phenomenon contributes to family breakdown between origin and destination. Family breakdowns are associated with an array of socio-economic correlates and result from major problems related to child rearing and female-headed households, in the case of household head migration. Acknowledging the important positive economic impact of migration, negative socio-economic impacts of migration should be considered and explored, and policy interventions at the micro and macro levels should be introduced.

More than 214 million people live outside their countries of origin or citizenship today. Among these, 105 million men and women are economically active , contributing to development, economic progress and social welfare in origin and destination countries alike. It is estimated that a similar number comprise children and other dependents accompanying working migrants. However, many migrant workers have to leave husbands or wives and children “back home” in order to work abroad to provide for their families. In some cases, both parents go abroad to work because there are no possibilities for decent work at home, leaving care of children in the hands of others.

The circumstances of migration today pose multiple challenges to family as the core cultural, social, and economic unit in society, and to preparing the next generations for the world of work.

1. The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD) organized a symposium on Family, Migration and Dignity from the 27th to 29th March 2012 in Doha, Qatar.

2. Experts dealing with various aspects of migration, human rights and social development were invited from a broad geographical distribution to participate in the meeting in their personal capacities. The Experts included academicians, practitioners, NGOs and experts from UN agencies.

3. The symposium was opened by H.E. Mrs Noor Al Malki Executive Director of the DIIFSD. Her statement was followed by statements from M .Hafedh Chekir, the Regional Director of UNFPA and M .Patrick Taran, President of Global Migration Policy Associates.

4. Eight sessions followed by three dialogue sessions were held during the symposium. Each session considered a different topic. Session 1 focused on migrant families in destination countries: experiences, Session 2 discussed families in origin countries affected by migration, Session 3 considered gender, family and migration, Session 4 discussed specific impact on and risks for children, Session 5 focused on regimes of migration: impacts, costs and issues, Session 6 considered training, schooling and employment for affected children and youth, Session 7 was devoted to policy considerations and the concluding session discussed the recommendations and the way forward.

Excellencies, distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

What an honor and pleasure it is to welcome you all to this symposium on Family, Migration and Dignity. As we are going to address the challenges and harness the benefits associated with international migration, it gives me pleasure to see such a diverse audience gathered in this room. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the speakers. Thank you for agreeing to share your knowledge and perspectives on this important topic.

The Mission of the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development is to encourage, support and promote implementation of the Doha Declaration on the family of 2004, and to reaffirm international commitments to strengthen the family. At DIIFSD, we consider that policy making whether at the national, regional or international levels frequently ignores the contribution that the family as a unit can leverage in achieving development objectives at all levels.