HDR 2009 Overcoming Barriers: Human mobility and Development

“Large gains to human development can be achieved by lowering the barriers to movement and improving the treatment of movers” says the 2009 Human Development Report.

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At its 19th edition, the HDR – the independent  report commissioned by UNDP since 1990 – explores the link between human mobility and development and looks at how better policies towards mobility can enhance human development.

One clear signal emerging from the report, is the compelling need to put mobility on the policy agenda in order to maximize the benefits of people’s movements for human development.
We live in a highly mobile world but no typical profile of migrants can be depicted. People move for many different reasons and in many different circumstances.
Migration is about improving income, education and enhancing people’s future prospects. Nevertheless migration is also about uncertainty, fear and denial of basic rights.
According to the report, allowing for migration—both within and between countries—has the potential to increase people’s freedom and improve the lives of millions around the world. “Being able to decide where to live is a key element of human freedom”.

The report calls for a comprehensive set of reforms that can benefit migrants, countries and societies and suggests the dimensions of admissions and treatment as the main axis of the mobility agenda.  The reform refers to both destination and origin countries as well as key actors such as the private sector, unions and non-governmental organizations. Measures aimed at reducing border’s restrictions and improving prospects on arrival, need to be implemented.
International cooperation, through bilateral and regional agreements, is recommended for a better management of flows and a higher protection of migrant’s rights.

Written by: Angela

Filed Under: Migration, Publications, Resources

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