To commemorate International Migrants Day 2025, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in partnership with iLEAD Africa under the PROMIS Project, convened a Youth Conference and Interactive Dialogue on Safe Migration, bringing together young people, government institutions and United Nations agencies.
The event focused on promoting safe migration pathways, addressing digital risks and reinforcing human rights protections, with youth leadership and lived experiences placed at the centre of migration governance discussions.
Speakers at the dialogue emphasised that migration extends beyond movement across borders, noting that it is fundamentally about people, cultures and contributions. They stressed that when migration is safe, orderly and well managed, it enriches host communities, supports development and fosters social cohesion.
Panelists highlighted the availability of regular migration options, cautioned young people against online exploitation and human trafficking, and reaffirmed that all migrants, regardless of status, are rights-holders entitled to protection and dignity.
The dialogue concluded with a collective commitment by stakeholders to strengthen youth engagement, expand community awareness and promote rights-based migration governance in Nigeria.
As part of the programme, participants also viewed a documentary screening titled “Know Before You Go: The Dark Web of Migrant Smuggling in Nigeria,” aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and online recruitment by smuggling networks.
International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18 to recognise the resilience, contributions and aspirations of millions of migrants worldwide who help fill skills gaps, drive innovation, support ageing societies and boost economies, while providing critical support to families and communities in their countries of origin.
