The United Nations has called for a massive $7.9 billion in funding to boost efforts to relocate people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes for a variety of reasons, including climate change and conflict.
The plea was made on Monday by the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Geneva, calling for support in its work and to help “build systems that realize the promise of migration as a force for good around the world.” It was done for the purpose of
“The IOM Global Appeal calls for funding to save lives, protect people on the move, advance solutions for displacement and facilitate safe routes for regular migration.” According to a statement released by IOM. These goals form part of IOM's new five-year global strategic plan.
Border Patrol arrests 40 illegal immigrants crammed into several vehicles
Migrants depart from Tapachula, Mexico on December 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente)
The organization says nearly $8 billion will go toward services for nearly 140 million people, including internally displaced persons and the local communities that host them. Importantly, it will also allow IOM to expand its development work and help prevent further displacement, the appeal says.
IOM called on governments, the private sector, individual donors and “other partners” to contribute to the fund, saying it was the first time it had issued such a call.
Of the $7.9 billion, about $3.4 billion will go toward “saving lives and protecting people on the move,” and $1.6 billion will go toward promoting “regular migration routes.”
It is unclear how exactly this will be used, but the United Nations is known to be distributing cash debit cards to migrants and providing them with food, basic necessities and prescription drugs.
Approximately $2.7 billion will be allocated for “displacement solutions,” including reducing the risks and impacts of climate change, and an additional $163 million will be earmarked for “better and more effective ways to deliver services,” the appeal states. It is stated that the funds will be used to “transform IOM in order to
IOM Director-General Amy Pope said migration has reached unprecedented levels and the world is benefiting from it.
Migrant camp near Lukeville, Arizona. The appeal states that there are an estimated 281 million “international migrants” around the world. (Fox News)
“There is overwhelming evidence that when properly managed, migration makes a significant contribution to the prosperity and progress of the world,” the Pope said.
“We are at a critical moment and we have designed this appeal to deliver on that promise. We can and must do better.”
The appeal comes as countries around the world face high bills to house and feed migrants who cross their borders illegally.
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For example, a study last year by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) found that illegal immigration currently costs U.S. taxpayers $151 billion annually, an increase of 30 percent over five years. The largest cost identified by FAIR is K-12 education, which the organization estimates costs $78 billion annually.
The U.S. government is already the UN's largest contributor, contributing about $18.1 billion to the UN in 2022, a significant increase from its $12.5 billion allocation in 2021, according to the UN website. are doing.
The appeal states that an estimated 281 million “international migrants” generate 9.4% of global GDP, but does not indicate how that figure was arrived at.
“Migration is fundamental to the world's development and prosperity,” the appeal states.
A FOX News exclusive video screen captures migrants being taken off the border wall by smugglers in Naco, Arizona. (Fox News Channel)
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Many migrants make often dangerous journeys to other countries to seek asylum, and restrictions on normal migration routes and protections leave people exposed to violence, exploitation and danger, the suit claims. ing.
For example, the IOM estimates that at least 60,000 migrants have died or gone missing on dangerous journeys over the past nine years.
“The consequences of underfunded and fragmented aid come at a higher cost, not only in terms of money, but also in creating greater risks for migrants through irregular migration, human trafficking and smuggling,” the appeal said. There is.
“Well-managed migration has the potential to advance development outcomes, contribute to climate change adaptation and promote a more secure, peaceful, sustainable, prosperous and fair future.”
