This is an exceptional time to discuss migration, in particular due to some extraordinary trends and important events. In 2016, the world reached a record number of international migrants: 247 million, and a third of the USD$ 600 thousand million in remittances were sent to developing countries.

In addition, last year the International Organization for Migration (IOM) joined the United Nations system, becoming the first exclusive agency for migration in its history. IOM Director General, William Lacy Swing, said with regard to this landmark: “People move to improve their lives, whether that means access to a better food supply, access to more sustainable employment, education opportunities or to save their own lives and the lives of their family.”

For the past three years, one migrant has died every two hours. And, sadly, at least 6300 migrants in the world lost their lives or disappeared in 2016. From January to June 2017, there has been more than 3000 deaths recorded worldwide. Furthermore, we have reached the highest amount of forced displacements since World War II.

In our region, migration is also a fundamental issue, with its complex migration flows. According to the Missing Migrants Project, in 2016 there were more than 650 migrant deaths recorded in the US-Mexico border, the Caribbean and Central American countries.

Global discussion on migration is more necessary than ever. This is why IOM Regional Office for Central America, North America and the Caribbean is pleased to release the English version of “On the Move”, the institutional blog to move ideas, news, investigations, and more of the worldwide migration phenomenon.

In this blog you will find discussions on migration policy, irregular migration, human trafficking, border management, labour migration, health and migration, environmental migration, amongst others. Our specialists and guest authors will make contributions to this platform by writing blog posts as an opportunity for discussion.

Join us on this journey to continue promoting IOM guiding principle: promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefits of all, migrants and societies.