International Migrants Day: Analysis of the Current Migratory State

To mark International Migrants Day, celebrated on 18 December, Lusófona University - Lisbon University Centre hosted a conference that served as a platform for reflection and debate on the complexities and challenges surrounding migratory movements in the contemporary world.

The speakers, experts in the field, emphasised that migration is an inherent feature of humanity, described as a natural and irreversible phenomenon. Historical examples, such as the Great Wall of China, were cited to illustrate the ancestral attempts to contain migratory flows, which persist today as an undeniable reality. The multifaceted reasons driving migration were also analysed, including climatic factors, seasonality, armed conflicts, political persecution, and the pursuit of freedom, among others.

The impact of migration was widely discussed, covering economic, political, and cultural dimensions. The stigmatisation of migrants, often seen as threats in various societies, was another central point of analysis. The experts highlighted the challenges faced by migrants, such as language barriers, difficulties in accessing healthcare, housing insecurity, and cultural integration, portraying a reality that, while longstanding, remains current and challenging.

The migratory context of Portugal was one of the conference's focal points, with integration highlighted as the country's major "Achilles’ heel." The essential role of local authorities in welcoming and integrating immigrants was emphasised, addressing structural problems and the so-called "bureaucratic racism" that hinder these processes. The importance of religious communities was also highlighted, particularly their role in organising, welcoming, and fostering a sense of belonging and identity among newcomers.

The conference, which brought together experts and a diverse audience, was an enriching space for sharing experiences and perspectives. The event concluded symbolically, with moments of poetry and musical performances celebrating the cultural richness provided by migration and reinforcing the importance of plural and inclusive coexistence.

Text (News)
Moisés da Silva

Video (Coverage)
Moisés da Silva

Video (Editing)
Renato Costa

Photography
Rageny Luz