A migrant is typically a person who moves voluntarily from one place to another without being forced, across borders or within a country, with the intention of establishing a new residence, either temporarily or permanently. Migration may occur for various reasons, including work, education, family reunification, escape from hunger or poverty, economic prospects, better living conditions, or a range of other purposes.
Unlike the term "refugee," the term "migrant" is not defined under international law, and is sometimes used differently by different groups. Conventionally, the word "migrant" is used to refer to people who move across an international border by choice rather than by force. International law makes a clear distinction between migrants and refugees. Migrants are not covered by the international refugee law, but are protected by international human rights law.
However, the term is increasingly used as an umbrella term to refer to any person who moves away from his or her usual place of residence, regardless of the reasons. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) recommends that people who are refugees or likely to be asylum-seekers should be referred to as such, and that the word migrant should not be used as an umbrella term for people crossing borders with the intention of staying in another country.
Generally speaking, migrants can return to their home countries without risk to their lives or freedom. Nevertheless, many of them endure unspeakable hardships and take life-threatening risks to leave their home countries and reach a destination country. Some groups of migrants require humanitarian aid and protection. These include people fleeing hunger, extreme poverty, or climate disasters, as well as all those who face life-threatening risks while fleeing—especially unaccompanied children.