Statement on Migration and Political Manipulation

The picture of thousands of people trying to reach Ceuta by sea is something we will see in other parts of the globe in the coming years.

The Socialist International has tackled the challenges presented by population movements on several occasions. We have warned that cuts to development and humanitarian assistance will have dire consequences. We have highlighted that migration is a complex issue with many dimensions that are neglected by those wishing to gain easy political leverage.

We have looked at the perspectives of both countries of origin and countries of destination, of individuals trying to find a better future or fleeing dictatorial regimes, of women facing multiple forms of discrimination, at the positive economic impact of foreign workers, at the new wave of racism provoked by the rhetoric of the extreme right, and at the difficulties faced by local and national authorities in developing policies that work for everyone.

The current events in Ceuta should therefore be understood within this complex global context.

Migration crises can be instigated by trafficking rings and mafias. They can also be used politically as a weapon by state and non-state actors alike, to exert pressure in existing disputes and to harm governments that seek to combine efficiency with respect for human rights.

These crises are increasingly accompanied by organised disinformation. False figures, footage taken from unrelated events and coordinated online amplification circulate faster than the facts, hardening public opinion before any verified account emerges. Countering this is not a matter of policing opinion. It requires transparency from public authorities, properly resourced independent journalism, and accountability from the platforms whose business models reward the spread of falsehood.

But since all countries and authorities will have to face this challenge sooner or later, only cooperation at national, regional and global level can address it in a humane and effective way.

Let us dare to talk about this issue on the basis of our shared interests and principles.