Migrants' Rights are Human Rights, A Call to Action

By Ikram Ullah Joyia

Irregular migration is a global challenge requiring a multi-stakeholder response. Climate change, conflicts, and developmental challenges exacerbate vulnerabilities among individuals, increasing the risks of irregular migration. Those who resort to irregular migration pathways face heightened risks of becoming victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Pakistan faces a multifaceted and long-standing irregular migration challenge driven by its strategic geographic location and ongoing socio-economic development issues. Individuals particularly susceptible to exploitation include women and children.

The country has made progress in countering irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling by strengthening legislative frameworks, national policies, and capacity enhancement of law enforcement and service delivery sectors. However, more needs to be done to strengthen a nationwide response.

A 24-month program (2025-2027) with a budget of USD 2.7 million will focus on nationwide initiatives, particularly in districts with high vulnerabilities to irregular migration, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling.

Pakistan has a complex migration landscape, serving as a country of origin for migrants and a key destination for refugees. The country is committed to combating Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants through its National Action Plan (2021-2025).

Let's promote the slogan ‘Migrants' Rights are Human Rights’.