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Celebration of International Migrants Day in Chad: Youth, Women and Climate Mobility in Focus

Family photo of participants at the celebration of International Migrants Day in N'Djamena, 18 December 2024. Photos: IOM Chad

N’Djamena, 18 December 2024 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Chadians Living Abroad and International Cooperation, in partnership with IOM, held the celebration of International Migrants Day to strengthen dialogue on migration issues and encourage active engagement of youth and women. The event brought together representatives of the Government, UN agencies, local associations and students to discuss the “Every Step” theme: “Young people, women and climate mobility.”

In her opening remarks, Fatimé Aldjineh Garfa, Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responsible for African Integration and Chadians Living Abroad, underlined the crucial role played by migrants in the development of our societies: “Today, it is essential to recognise that migrants are actors in development. They contribute to our economies and enrich our social and cultural fabric.”

The discussions, led by a panel of experts including the IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Chad, and representatives from the ministries of Women and Early Childhood and of the Environment, addressed in more detail the issues surrounding climate-related migration. Participants stressed the importance of building youth and women’s capacities to meet these challenges, while highlighting the potential of migration for development. “This day is an opportunity to reiterate the importance of international solidarity and cooperation between the various players to meet the challenges posed by climate migration. By investing in young people, building the capacities of local players and promoting dialogue, it is possible to build a fairer and more sustainable future for all,” said François Batalingaya, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Chad.

Highlighting youth engagement in promoting climate resilience, IOM awarded scholarships to ten students to conduct research on climate migration. Their work will contribute to a better understanding of migration phenomena and the development of more appropriate policies.

Six local associations, recognised for their commitment to migrants and vulnerable populations, were also honoured at the event. Their innovative initiatives bear witness to the vitality of Chadian civil society in addressing challenges posed by migration.

“The celebration of International Migrants Day shows the importance of an inclusive approach, involving civil society, academia, the private sector and local communities, in line with the guiding principles of the Global Compact on Migration,” said Sylvia Ekra, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated 18 December as International Migrants Day, in response to the large and growing number of migrants around the world. In its resolution A/RES/55/93, the UNGA invited Member States and other parties to observe the day by disseminating information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, sharing experiences and designing actions to ensure migrant protection. 

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For more information, please contact:

Chad: Christina Van Hooreweghe, IOM Chad, cvanhooreweg@iom.int

Dakar: Joëlle Furrer, IOM Regional Ofiice Dakar, jfurrer@iom.int

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