The Scaling Fences: Voices of Irregular African Migrants to Europe report launch

The speaker expresses gratitude and emphasizes the importance of understanding migration from a development perspective. They introduce the topic as a critical aspect of the United Nations' development program, highlighting the need to comprehend the relationship between migration and development. The speaker acknowledges the complexity of migration, noting its historical and ongoing significance and the importance of addressing it from a human and developmental angle rather than merely as a problem.

The paragraph delves into the multifaceted nature of migration, dispelling myths that migrants are solely motivated by poverty or repression. It underscores the hyperconnected world we live in and the UN Development Program's focus on youth, particularly in Africa. The speaker challenges the audience to consider the broader implications of migration beyond simplistic explanations, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding that encompasses both the experiences of migrants and the socio-economic conditions in their home countries.

Presenting sobering statistics, the speaker highlights the tragic loss of life among migrants, particularly young Africans, who have perished during their journeys. The paragraph calls attention to the urgency of understanding the drivers of migration and the importance of hope. It also introduces the 'Scaling Fences' report, which aims to provide a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of irregular migrants, as well as the need for a more constructive discourse on migration and development.

The speaker discusses the methodology and findings of the 'Scaling Fences' report, which focuses on self-declared development migrants from African countries now living in Europe. The report covers various aspects, including the social structures, motivations, and journeys of these individuals. It also examines their life in Europe, their aspirations, and how these have evolved since their arrival. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader context of migration and the need for policies that address the root causes.

This paragraph focuses on the urban origins of the migrants and their educational background. It reveals that the majority of migrants come from urban environments and have a higher level of education than their peers in Africa. The speaker discusses the implications of these findings, suggesting that migration is not solely driven by a lack of jobs or extreme poverty, but also by the pursuit of greater opportunities and the ambition to succeed.

The paragraph explores the significant role of family investment in migration, with many migrants receiving financial assistance from family and friends. It also discusses the migrants' employment status in Europe, highlighting the discrepancy between their skilled jobs in Africa and the lower-skilled jobs they often take in Europe. The speaker emphasizes the migrants' commitment to supporting their families back home through remittances, which represent a significant portion of their income.

The speaker addresses the relationship between migration and development, emphasizing that addressing the development deficit in Africa is crucial for stemming migration. They discuss the importance of creating opportunities for youth in Africa and the role of good governance in fostering an environment that allows individuals to meet their ambitions. The paragraph also touches on the visible displacement caused by policy vacuums and its impact on migration debates.

The paragraph discusses the importance of communication in shaping the narrative around migration. It emphasizes the need for African governments to effectively communicate opportunities available to their youth to encourage them to stay. The speaker also highlights the role of the private sector and media in promoting positive stories of success and opportunity in Africa. Additionally, the paragraph touches on the challenges of managing migration policy, particularly in terms of regularizing existing irregular migrants without encouraging further irregular migration.

The speaker stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, rather than just the symptoms. They argue for a comprehensive approach that considers the development needs of African countries and the aspirations of their youth. The paragraph also calls for a global effort to manage migration as a historic and ongoing phenomenon, advocating for coordinated action among all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.

In the concluding remarks, the speaker reiterates the importance of changing the discourse around migration and emphasizes the potential for migration to be a positive force for development. The speaker calls for investment in creating hope and opportunity, both in the countries of origin and destination, and for policies that respect the ambitions of migrants. The report 'Scaling Fences: Voices of Irregular African Migrants to Europe' is officially launched, aiming to provide a deeper understanding and spur a more constructive conversation on migration.