CEO Insight: The Gift of Hope on International Migrants Day

There are an estimated 281 million international migrants globally  and the number is growing. Yet access to justice is one of the most critical yet elusive needs for migrants. 

While there is no formal, universally agreed definition of the term migrant under international law, the UN Migration Agency describes it “as any person who is moving or has moved across borders or within a State away from their home voluntary or involuntarily”. 

This umbrella term is often used to cover a diverse range of individuals, including those seeking asylum, family reunification, fleeing conflict or escaping poverty.  

Many migrants face systemic barriers to healthcare, employment, housing and education, all while navigating unfamiliar and complex legal systems. 

And the situation is set to worsen as climate change, economic instability, and rising global conflicts drive more people across borders in search of hope and survival.   

Compounding these challenges is the stigma that many migrants endure. Negative stereotypes threaten their dignity, safety and rights, while overwhelmed governments increasingly adopt hardline positions. 

The result? A lonely, overwhelming experience for  people already carrying the trauma of displacement, uncertainty and loss.  

Yet migration has always enriched societies – economically, socially, and culturally. It is a force that has built nations, strengthened communities, and spurred innovation. And while migrants give so much, they are often denied the opportunity to rebuild their lives with security and justice.   

Pro Bono Support:  Harnessing the Power of the Law 

At A4ID, we believe the law is a transformative force in addressing migration’s most pressing challenges. 

Pro bono legal support can play a vital role in ensuring that migrants voices are heard and their rights upheld. A4ID works with law firms and NGOs to harness the power of the law to confront global challenges from eradicating poverty to upholding human rights. 

Migration is a cross-cutting issue that touches on many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing migration issues requires integrated approaches that consider social, economic, and environmental factors. 

Upholding the rule of law is vital to ensure that every person benefits from the commitments of the SDG Agenda. Lawyers from all jurisdictions and across all practice areas have a role to play in ensuring that no one is left behind. 

Building a Culture of Welcome Through Pro Bono Initiatives 

By working alongside NGOs, international organisations, and community groups, legal professionals can help foster a broader culture of welcome and inclusion. 

The profession can help address systemic challenges faced by migrants, such as barriers to employment, education, and housing, by advocating for more inclusive policies and fair practices. And it must look to play its part in tackling evolving challenges such as climate change and its impact. 

Our partnerships demonstrate how law can make a difference -from helping establish the world’s first free international school for refugee children in Kenya to drafting bills and rules and procedure for Ethiopia’s first environmental tribunal, A4ID connects legal expertise to critical global challenges. Together with our partners, we are creating pathways to justice, dignity, and inclusion for those forced to leave their homes.  

A Season for Reflection and Action  

As we mark International Migrants Day and approach the holiday season, it’s a time to reflect on what it means to offer acceptance, hospitality, and hope to those who have journeyed far from home in search of safety, opportunity, and a better future.  

For many migrants, this season may bring a painful reminder of loved ones left behind and the uncertainty of an unfamiliar future. For legal professionals, it is an opportunity to embody the spirit of the season by extending a hand of support to those who need it most.   

Here’s how your expertise can help: 

• Navigating Asylum and Immigration Processes: Ensuring individuals have access to fair hearings and proper legal representation.  

•  Protecting Rights: Challenging systemic injustices and advocating for humane, inclusive policies. 

• Strengthening Communities: Supporting refugee-led and migrant-focused initiatives that empower people with the tools to succeed.  

• Building Cross-Sector Solutions: Collaborating with NGOs, charities, and governments to address barriers to education, employment, and housing.   

• Partnering with A4ID: Helping us connect legal expertise to projects that advance the SDGs and confront the root causes of migration. 

The Power of Hope   

At A4ID, we see how the legal profession can turn justice into action and action into hope. By supporting migrants, we build stronger, fairer societies — because no one should have to face injustice or displacement alone.   

To our legal and development partners, thank you for your resolute commitment. Together, we can ensure that those who have journeyed far from home find safety, opportunity, and the chance to thrive.  

Wishing all our partners, supporters, and friends a joyous holiday season and a hopeful new year. There is still much work to do — but the greatest gift we can give is hope.