PRESS STATEMENT
Abibiman Foundation press statement on occasion of
International Youth Day
2013 International Youth Day
Theme: Youth Migration, Moving Development Forward
DATE: 12th
August 2013
Young people make up a significant share of the global
number of international migrants. In 2010, there were an estimated 27 million
international young migrants aged 15-24 globally and
form about 30% of international migrants! Yet very little is known about the
livelihood struggles and opportunities that migration presents for young
migrants and other youth who are affected by migration While migration
can often offer valuable opportunities and contribute to the development of
communities and society at large, it can also pose risks and lead to
unacceptable situations, including discrimination and exploitation.
But for every opportunity that migration presents, there
are also challenges that confront vulnerable and marginalised young migrants:
discrimination, lack of access to basic social services, sexual and other
health risks and lack of support networks.
To migrate is to make a life changing decision. Young
people should have “the right to move”, but they should also have “the right to
not move”. The rights of both should be protected and supported, particularly
in the context of societies affected by climate change and conflict, where
young people and children are particularly vulnerable.
The focus on youth migration this International Youth Day
should cause decision makers to reflect on the kinds of policies and measures
required to optimally manage migration and protect the vulnerable.
Well-managed migration supports development by empowering
young people, bridging cultures, creating wealth and balancing inequities. Commitment
to youth development and empowerment, will work collaboratively to examine the
issue of migration and to champion the rights of vulnerable and marginalised
migrant young people
Let us partner with young people, develop and implement
strategies to ensure their perspectives are recognised in societies and
advocate for investments in young people. The return on such investments is
extremely high – for both social and economic development
Youth should remind political leaders of their promise
and their responsibility to youth and the future generations, I am convinced
that climate change will increasingly be a driver in worsening displacement
crises in the world and We must work together to mobilize the political will
and leadership to prevent and end the conflicts that trigger refugee flows and
Climate Refugees
Abibimman Foundation,
AYICC –Ghana, GCAP-Ghana and IDAY-Ghana, believe -Youth are recognized as one of the most mobile social
groups in the context of migration. We need to raise awareness about the
situation of these young people as well as the role of youth-led organizations
in addressing migration issues
Kenneth
Nana Amoateng
Chief
Executive Officer
Abibimman
Foundation
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