Women migrant and host workers unite: Strengthen our ranks,defend our rights, and fight for just world for all
Statement of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) in commemoration of the International Working Women’s Day
8 March 2024
The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) and its member organisations issue this statement in commemoration of the International Working Women’s Day this March 8, 2024. We are saddened and enraged that the material and social conditions of women workers and migrants throughout the world worsen due to the intensification of crises, conflicts and human rights violations (HRVs) throughout the world.
Imperialist militarism and US-led and instigated wars are intensifying. The war in Ukraine through the proxy war between the US and NATO against Russia is spreading and has no signs of ending soon. The same is true of Israel's genocide against the Palestinian people, which, with the backing of the US, continues to ignore the world's call for a ceasefire. US imperialism is stoking conflicts in East and Southeast Asia and using them to justify the expansion of its alliances and military exercise operations, to corner Russia in Europe and encircle China in the Indo-Pacific.
The result is an unprecedented number of people displaced by war, persecution, violence and human rights violations around the world. According to UNHCR, the number of displaced people already exceeded 114 million people as of September 2023. This meant 5.6 million more displaced people compared to 2022, even before the last war in Gaza broke out last October 2023.
Climate catastrophes are also on the rise. The year 2023 happened to be the hottest year in world history in 125 thousand years, or at least since records began. But the world's biggest polluters continue to ignore the threat of climate change, fail to shoulder their responsibilities, and at COP 28 refused to set out a concrete and binding plan to reduce emissions. All of which leads to another major cause of massive forced displacement of hundreds and thousands of people.
A surge in femicides and sexual violence across several African nations has contributed to this massive increase of refugees and displaced people. Civil conflict between rival armed groups in Sudan and DR Congo competing for control of mining areas, and government-led military operations have drastically increased kidnappings, rape, trafficking and sex slavery of women and young girls.
Israel's genocide against the Palestinians has the world trembling with horror and outrage at this pinnacle of imperialist aggression. As Palestinian blood is exchanged for profit, we are witnessing once again the disproportionate suffering of women and children. Innocent Palestinians are killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or die of disease and malnutrition, with nothing to eat, drink, take care of their hygiene and health, or sleep.
Rohingya refugees are fleeing genocide in Myanmar, but they are also suffering in the places they are fleeing to. Wherever they go, the Rohingya people face persecution from governments, increasing violence against Muslims and refugees, and constant fear of being detained and deported to Myanmar.
Millions of displaced women and children around the world are living in refugee camps without physical and psychological safety. Living conditions in the refugee camps are deplorable, with no clean water, no sanitation facilities and no education. Many young women face sexual and physical violence. At least 8,565 people died or went missing on migration routes around the world in 2023.
In the midst of the international recession that the monetary authorities of central capitalism are causing with their high interest rates, living and working conditions of women migrant workers worsen. They continue to suffer from subhuman wages, are made to work longer working hours and in slave-like working conditions, placed in more restrictive visa situations, and bear the brunt of more oppressive immigration policies by host governments. They remain vulnerable to all forms of sexual and physical violence, racist attacks, and anti-migrant narratives that sadly are led by many of those in authority.
Imperialism causes genocide, famine and displacement. Mass displacement not only refers to refugees, but also includes forced migration. Neoliberal policies imposed on countries have flattened economies, caused unemployment, landlessness and impoverishment. Imperialist powers and their puppets advertise forced migration as “opportunities”, and say that it is a matter of choice to leave families behind to work overseas. No, it is not. No woman would become a slave in a stranger’s home, miles away from their home and children, if they really had a choice. No woman would put herself in dangerous and vulnerable situations where they risk getting killed, raped, tortured or abducted—if they really had a choice.
Women are fighting back. Demonstrations in support of Palestine attended by millions of women and people calling for a ceasefire and denouncing their government’s support for Israel’s genocidal war. Kenya started this year with the largest-ever protest against femicide and violence against women. Women migrant workers everywhere are holding protests to demand wage increase and protection of their rights.
The IMA reiterates its call to all migrants and refugees, both in host countries and in countries of origin, to oppose neoliberalism, militarism, genocide and war. We must continue to defend our dignity and fight for our rights and well-being wherever we are. We must strengthen our internationalist unity in all countries to put an end to forced migration, the commodification of migrants, and the imperialist system that is at the root of these conditions.
