adminReason Razao Herald Reporter
University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Social Studies recently held an international conference to brainstorm on solutions to problems faced by immigrants across Africa and beyond. The conference, whose theme was, “Migration phenomenon and its impact on sustainable development in Africa and beyond”, emphasised on African unity, peace and prosperity, and reflected on the implications of migration.
In a speech read on his behalf, UZ vice-chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura said, “Migration has become a topical subject that, regardless of one’s social, economic or religious orientation, affects society in various ways.
“Globally, asymmetrical population movements involve diverse groups of migrants that include refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, victims of trafficking and unaccompanied children, among others. These unbalanced movements take place throughout the world, and have become a centre of considerable public attention, mostly when tragedies happen. Almost every week, we hear of tragic events, particularly in the waters between Libya, Malta and Italy and in the whole of the Mediterranean region, including Syria, Morocco, and Spain. Africa, and indeed Southern Africa too, have not been spared by tragedies emanating from the irregular movements.”
South African academic Prof Loren Landau from the University of the Witwatersrand, who was the keynote speaker at the conference, emphasised the value of good relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
He cited security and economic factors as major causes for the increase in women’s involvement in migration.
“Economic migration especially in West Africa has risen mainly because of cases such as Boko Haram,” said Prof Landau.
He added that migrants (domestic and international), were low political priorities in places where they stayed and had difficulties accessing medical and education services for either themselves or their children.
He challenged governments and politicians in different countries to craft policies that protect the rights of immigrants whether domestic or international.
Recent research has shown that there are about 270 million migrants worldwide, and that one in seven people is a migrant.
Online Reporter