Ignacio Packer, the Secretary General of the Terres Des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF), a network that works to promote the rights of children and their equitable development, spoke next about patterns of migration across Europe and how they relate to human security, especially children. “Which of you is not a migrant?” asked Packer, explaining that migrant rights is a human rights issue. Globally, 60 million people were displaced in 2015, and 1 in 2 was a child. Migration is not a security problem, explained Packer. Instead, the problem is the exclusion of people from accessible migration. TDHIF works to renew public understanding about migration and advocate for a safe and dignified international migration system. “We have choices to make as a society,” explained Packer. “We are at a tipping point. We can build bridges, or we can build fences, prisons and walls.”


Ignacio Packer is the Secretary General of the Terres Des Hommes International Federation (TDHIF). TDHIF is a network of ten organizations working to promote the rights of children and their equitable development, regardless of racial, religious, political, cultural or gender-based discrimination. The federation implements aid projects to improve quality of life for disadvantaged children, their families and their communities. Packer is responsible for facilitating collaboration between the ten organizations that comprise TDHIF, ensuring cohesive corporate culture and effectiveness of the federation’s activities at a global level. Packer’s work helps children to realize their full potential in an ever-changing and insecure world.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx