Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity: The CARE Approach to Meaningful Migration Dialogue

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Pratik Sarangi, a medical student at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Migration is profoundly reshaping numerous societies and economies worldwide. Pushed by factors such as economic disparity, political instability, climate change and the desire for better opportunities, among others, international migration is very complex. These migrations make host countries rich culturally and economically but they also pose challenges related to social integration, labour market dynamics and policy formulation. As per the United Nations, in 2020, there were about 281 million international migrants; this continues to have effects on different societies thus equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) emerge as critical pillars for fostering meaningful discussions on migration.

Dr. Anita Patel, a prominent advocate for migrant rights, underscores, “Equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental principles for fostering solidarity and justice in global migration discussions.”

The Imperative of Equity

As Nelson Mandela puts it “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” Equity in migration discourse requires equal treatment as well as opportunities for all migrants no matter their background or reason for migrating. It takes into account historical wrongs committed against such marginalised migrant communities which include structural disparities. 

Celebrating Diversity

Migrants’ diversity comprises a range of cultural, social and economic outlooks that supplement host populations with immeasurable wealth. Embracing this diversity fosters cultural understanding and also enhances innovation and economic growth. Research by the International Organization for Migration underscores how diversity in communities contributes to resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges.

Promoting Inclusive Dialogue

Migrants must be seen as an integral part of this dialogue on policy formulation, regulation of their presence and involvement in the society they occupy. This also means that people should understand their contribution as human beings while dealing with obstacles which are barriers to migrants’ equal participation in all spheres of human life including politics, economy, and society. 

Then what shall we do?

To foster an impactful and meaningful dialogue on migration, I propose the CARE approach consisting of 4 pillars- essential for ensuring inclusive communities and addressing Challenges due to Global Migration more constructively. 

Collaboration

We must Collaborate across varied sectors and communities to create inclusive spaces where diverse voices, including the migrants themselves, are heard and valued in decision-making processes.

For this, we need to

• Establish community forums for dialogues & Nurture partnerships between local governments, NGOs, and businesses to develop inclusive policies and initiatives.

Advocacy

We need to Advocate for policies that uphold migrant rights, encourage social inclusion, and combat discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status.

Thus we need to –

• Support initiatives that raise awareness about rights and challenge stereotypes while engaging with policymakers to advocate for laws that ensure equitable treatment and opportunities for migrants in their new communities.

Reflection

We should Reflect on personal biases, societal norms, and systemic fences that impact migrants’ experiences and opportunities for integration.

Action Steps:

• Encourage individuals and communities to critically scrutinise their viewpoints towards migration and diversity and Promote cultural exchanges and storytelling initiatives that spotlight migrant contributions and enhance societal understanding.

Education

We must Educate communities, schools, and workplaces about the intricacies of migration, nurturing empathy, and boosting intercultural competence.

Action Steps:

• Incorporate migration studies into school curricula to enlighten future generations about global migration trends and challenges.
• Furnish training programs for educators, employers, and community leaders on developing inclusive environments for migrants.

Conclusion

Thus embracing the CARE approach—Collaboration, Advocacy, Reflection, and Education—is the way to collectively work towards constructing inclusive societies where migrants are respected, cared for, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential. We must promise to work in harmony to build societies that sustain human dignity, and jointly build a world where migration is considered not as a challenge, but as a prospect for mutual enrichment and understanding.

References

1. United Nations. (2020). International Migration Report 2020: Highlights. Retrieved from [UN website]
2. International Organization for Migration. (2021). World Migration Report 2020. Retrieved from [IOM website]
3. Angela Davis. (1983). Women, Race & Class. Vintage Books.

About the author

Pratik Sarangi is a medical student at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India and currently serving as the Vice President for Activities at MSAI-India. Having lived in different parts of the country, he was raised in a society that celebrated diversity and embraced people from various ethnic backgrounds. This upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for cultural differences and a love for diversity. In addition, he is immensely passionate about public health and has been involved in multiple campaigns and Global health projects. He is an active member of the IFMSA since 2019.