Pressenza Pressenza International Press Agency Athens, 06/11/09 In his speech before the Third Global Forum on Migration, held in Athens, Ban Ki-Moon urged participants to create policies to minimize the impact the global economic crisis, as well as climate change, has on the immigrant population.

Moon emphasizes the influence of the world's estimated 214 million immigrants, highlighting how migration helps society as earnings are sent back to home countries while filling job vacancies in the adopted destination countries.

Ban Ki-Moon warned of the dangers of escalating social tension inciting hate and discrimination. Moon added that it is precisely for this reason, that protection and promotion of the human rights of immigrants is fundamental, regardless of their legal status.

(Translation provided by Meghan Storey)