UN Secretary-General António Guterres, on Wednesday, canvassed the inclusion of migrants regardless of legal immigration status, in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.
Guterres said this in a message to commemorate the International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR), globally marked on June 16.
The IDFR recognizes more than 200 million migrant workers, women, and men, who send money home to over 800 million family members.
According to the UN chief, ensuring that all migrants, regardless of legal immigration status, are included in COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans.
This, he said, is critical for the health and safety of all.
Guterres also urged all stakeholders to continue efforts to reduce the costs of transferring remittances to as close to zero as possible in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Also, to foster the financial inclusion of migrants and their families, especially in poor rural areas,’’ he said.
As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged last year, he said, so too did concerns about the potential negative impact of the crisis on remittances and on families that rely on them.
“Fortunately, remittances have proved to be much more resilient and dependable than expected.
“The most recent data from the World Bank found that remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached $540 billion in 2020, just 1.6 percent below the 2019 total.
“There are many reasons why remittances declined less than expected in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,’’ he said.
The UN chief said the main reason why remittances declined was that migrants put the needs of their families first, curtailing personal consumption and drawing on savings.
Group calls for Secondus-led NWC members, Jibrinq resignation
“Fiscal measures in host countries also made it impossible for migrant workers to send money home.
“Looking forward, we must continue efforts to support and protect migrants, who — as the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear — play such an important role.
“They play important role in keeping essential services and the economy at large running in many parts of the world,’’ he said.
