More than half a century later, patterns and directions of human migration have changed, yet the situation of human mobility at hand is no less dramatic. Millions of people have been uprooted by force or personal choice, and many more are desperately searching out possibilities to remain at home rather than forcibly seek opportunities abroad, far from their families and potentially at great risk to their own safety and well being.

In the face of each of these dilemmas, the International Catholic Migration Commission has remained steadfast in its work directly with refugees and migrants in crowded camps and urban areas, and in communities heavily affected by natural disasters, human trafficking, the destruction of livelihoods and separation from family and loved ones.

Having facilitated the resettlement of more than one million refugees, provided emergency and transitional assistance to uprooted people in need, supported individuals in their return and reintegration back home, worked to combat human trafficking, and led outreach efforts for those who are especially vulnerable, ICMC knows first-hand that the sense of anxiety, desperation and undying hope that is felt by displaced people in every corner of the globe today is the same as that which has been felt throughout the last sixty years.

Celebrating today 60 years of service, the organization contends that the “spirit of 1951” is again needed to organize contemporary human mobility with dignity and wisdom. Just as the world rose together in 1951 to address the pain and suffering of millions of people displaced by the Second World War, the challenge of the present era is to jointly coordinate safe, dignified migration in a time of ever-more globalized markets and societies.

“The celebration of ICMC’s 60 years of committed service to uprooted people provides a timely reminder of the global responsibilities before us all, and of the collaboration that is essential for achieving a common future marked by equity and dignity”, emphasized ICMC Secretary General, Johan Ketelers.

“Humankind alone is responsible for the structures and order in which we live, and for building and sharing an authentic quality of life. ICMC remains profoundly committed to people on the move, leading us to the consensus that it is time to think prudently and with conviction about global governance of migration--not necessarily a new institution, but new approaches that will address both the challenges and the opportunities found in the movement of people today.”

La CICM salue « l’état d’esprit de 1951 »: Organiser la mobilité, hier et aujourd’hui (615.09 KB)