UPU’s message to migrants: You are not alone

Berne. On the International Day of Family Remittances, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) offers its full support to migrants seeking to send money home to their families in these extremely challenging times.

“Families play an essential role in the well-being of all our societies. On the International Day of Family Remittances, and during this global pandemic, the Universal Postal Union offers its profound support to migrant workers seeking to use the world’s financial system, including postal financial services, to send money back home. You are not alone,” said Bishar A. Hussein, the Director General of the Universal Postal Union. The UPU promotes financial inclusion in partnership with its 192 member countries. Across the world there are more than 600,000 post offices; some of them operate in the remotest and most isolated rural areas to ensure migrant families receive life-saving remittances.

Background: The United Nations General Assembly celebrates the International Day of Family Remittances every year on 16 June. Around 200 million migrants work globally to help improve the lives of their 800 million family members living at home. Many of these individuals live in rural areas where poverty and hunger exist. This year’s theme for the international day is building resilience in times of crisis and recognizes the extreme challenges migrants face in sending money home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*** The Universal Postal Union is a UN specialized agency with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne. Established in 1874, it is one of the world’s oldest international organizations and the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players.

For further information, please contact:

David Dadge
Manager, Communication and Events Programme
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Mobile: +41 76 457 36 54
Work: +41 31 350 31 23