As a global community, we face a choice. Do we want migration to be a source of prosperity and international solidarity, or a byword for inhumanity and social friction?

— António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

December 18th is marks International Migrants Day, a day where we recognize and commemorate the challenges and difficulties migrants face around the world. Today, we ask you to pause for a moment and reflect how migrants and migration have positively have shaped your life, your community, and your country. Today, we should all reflect on how we can contribute towards making our communities more welcoming and accessible for migrants.

With growing concerns of civil unrest in Central America and Mexico, many people including women and children, continue to make the treacherous journey north towards the United States and Canada. Women and children on the run often flee their communities in search of safe home, a stable job, and a life free of violence.

This year has been a time of chaos, stress, and uncertainty for everybody. For migrants around the world, it has been an exceptionally difficult and frustrating time. With several key borders across Latin America closed to entry for migrants, thousands of people remain stranded in crossing zones in the region.

And it’s not just an issue in other parts of the world. Here in Northumberland, several migrant worker remain stranded in the county due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Migrant workers arrive to Northumberland County every year to work in the agricultural sector. In order to support these workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Horizons has worked relentlessly to distribute care packages and essential items including toiletries and food to support these migrant workers through their quarantine period and daily life. Several migrant workers from Trinidad and Tobago are now stuck in Northumberland County, awaiting their home country to reopen its border so they can return home.

December 18th, International Migrants Day, reminds us that the struggle for migrants’ rights is far from over. We continue to remain vigilant and prepared to support migrants in Canada and abroad.