2007年VOA标准英语-Niger Campaigns Against Irregular Migration

By Lisa Schlein
Geneva
11 August 2007

The government of Niger and the International Organization for Migration¹ have launched an information campaign aimed at raising awareness² of the dangers of irregular migration in order to better prevent it.  The campaign will also inform potential migrants of safer, legal methods of migration.   Lisa Schlein reports from IOM headquarters in Geneva.

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Some 220 illegal immigrants arrive in the southernmost Italian island of Lampedusa after being intercepted by Italian coast guards, 19 Jul 2007

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says each year thousands of West African migrants use smugglers networks to go to Europe and other destinations in search of better economic opportunities.

IOM spokeswoman Jemini Pandya says people from Niger and elsewhere in the sub-region are taking huge risks when they put themselves in the hands of smuggling⁴ networks. 

She says they usually end up in financial debt and put themselves in physical danger.  Many, she says, have lost their lives.

"It is very difficult and dangerous for the migrants themselves," she noted⁵.  "They can also be abandoned.  They can be robbed and beaten by the smugglers. And, for those who actually end up actually using the rivers and seas to access other countries, then often there is the danger of traveling in un-seaworthy boats and therefore also putting their lives in danger." 

The four-week long public information campaign will include a road show.  It will travel to towns and villages affected⁶ by high rates of emigration in the northeastern region of Tahoua and around the town of Maradi, near the Nigerian border.

Pandya says the main aim of the campaign is to stem irregular migration through a combination of means. For example, she says, the campaign will inform potential migrants of legal methods of migration.

Pandya says former irregular migrants will participate in the campaign.  She describes them as very effective in conveying the anti-trafficking message.

"Every single time that we talk to a migrant, whether they have successfully made it to another country or whether they have not, they will always tell you that they wished they had not done it, that the lives they were leading had been horrible," she added.  "And, they would always counsel others not to follow their path.  And, they make for very strong advocates against irregular migration." 

The International Organization for Migration has launched similar information campaigns in other African nations to warn of the dangers of illegal migration.

Pandya says most migrants from Niger migrate to other countries in West and Central Africa.  But, a small percentage, she says, try to reach Europe, with France being the main destination country.

1 migration   

n.迁移，移居，（鸟类等的）迁徙

参考例句：

• Swallows begin their migration south in autumn.燕子在秋季开始向南方迁移。
• He described the vernal migration of birds in detail.他详细地描述了鸟的春季移居。

2 awareness   

n.意识，觉悟，懂事，明智

参考例句：

• There is a general awareness that smoking is harmful.人们普遍认识到吸烟有害健康。
• Environmental awareness has increased over the years.这些年来人们的环境意识增强了。

3 intercepted   

拦截( intercept的过去式和过去分词 )； 截住； 截击； 拦阻

参考例句：

• Reporters intercepted him as he tried to leave the hotel. 他正要离开旅馆，记者们把他拦截住了。
• Reporters intercepted him as he tried to leave by the rear entrance. 他想从后门溜走，记者把他截住了。

4 smuggling   

n.走私

参考例句：

• Some claimed that the docker's union fronted for the smuggling ring.某些人声称码头工人工会是走私集团的掩护所。
• The evidence pointed to the existence of an international smuggling network.证据表明很可能有一个国际走私网络存在。

5 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

6 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。