Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 27, 2026 Refugees and migrants
Presenting the annual report on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on states to "choose cooperation over chaos."
Politicization of migration
Guterres sharply criticized the politicization of migration, stating that in many countries, migrants are used "to score political points – with devastating human consequences." He emphasized that migrants are increasingly dehumanized and deprived of basic rights, despite their significant contributions to society.
According to the UN chief, restricting legal routes only pushes people into the hands of criminal networks: "When routes are closed, migrants don't disappear. They are pushed into exploitation and into the hands of smugglers."
The Secretary-General recalled that thousands of people die or go missing every year due to the lack of safe alternatives. "Migration is not a crisis," he emphasized. "The crisis is our inability to manage it together."
Migration is not a crisis. The crisis is our inability to manage it together.
The report emphasizes that countries have made progress, from expanding legal channels to improving search and rescue systems. However, Guterres said these efforts "fall far short of what today's realities require."
He recalled that migration is a global phenomenon that cannot be addressed alone, especially in the context of climate change, demographic shifts, and economic transformation.
Two key directions
Guterres highlighted two key areas for further action: expanding and simplifying regular migration routes, as well as investing in education and job creation in countries of origin. The Secretary-General called for intensifying the fight against human trafficking, standardizing ethical recruitment, ending the practice of detaining children on migration grounds, taking climate factors into account when planning migration policies, reducing the cost of remittances, and strengthening social cohesion.
The UN chief placed particular emphasis on the need to counter "toxic narratives." He said the world must "choose cooperation over chaos and dignity over discrimination."
The Secretary-General expressed hope that the upcoming International Migration Review Forum would be a moment to move from discussions to concrete action.
"Migration is a story of courage, resilience, and mutual benefit. Our task is to ensure it never becomes a story of death and despair," Guterres emphasized, calling for the Global Compact to be made a reality "in every region, along every route, for every migrant."
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