Addressing international migration concerns has undoubtedly become a pressing issue in recent times, not only for governments but also for a broad range of society actors in both northern and southern countries/states.

Today more young people are moving across borders.  Over the past few decades political, economic, social and demographic changes in many parts of the world have stimulated migration across borders. The growing volume of trade, faster and cheaper transport, and easier communication have encouraged more young people to migrate within and across national borders. Many young people continue to migrate with scanty information about their destination and their chances of success in the host country. Because of their age, these young migrants often face obstacles and risks that test their endurance.

According to a recent UNICEF report, young people are major stakeholders in international migration. However, they are largely invisible in research, public debates and policy about international migration. Also, a UNFPA report postulates that “Little is known about the full diversity and complexity of young people. Despite the low participation of young people (hereafter youth)in debates about international migration, experts agree that young people between 15 and 30 years of age historically and to this day represent a large share of migrants.”

Young people need to be involved in the issue of migration and its effect on the development goals of countries and the world at large. They should be part of the discussions about how policies on migration affect youth and how they can better help create the crucial sustainable development that the world is hoping for.

The main objectives of the Youth in Migration and Development initiative are:

1.     To shed light on global migration trends among young people at national regional, and global levels;

2.      To encourage, promote and facilitate youth participation in discussions on International Migration and Development;

3.      To stimulate fresh views on broader issues of global migration;

4.      To help returned migrants share their stories;

5.      To mobilize young people in the Diaspora to contribute in the development of Ghana;

6.       To celebrate the role of young migrants in the development of Ghana;

7.       To provide young people with information on legal options of migration.

To read the full report of the Youth Consultation contact our Youth in Migration and Development program team at: youthmigration@ypwc.org

YPWC will be launching the Diaspora Initiative for National Development (an initiative that aims to mobilize, streamline and coordinate volunteering efforts of Ghanaian in the Diaspora in the development of Ghana) in March 2008. Visit our website: www.ypwc.org for more information about this initiative and how you can support us.

Definition of ‘Youth’: United Nations – persons aged between 15 and 24 years, AU – persons aged between 15 and 35 years (African Youth Charter, 2006)