If resources become scarce, people tend to fight for them. This is increasing the number of people on the move and the number of people forced to move. They're not refugees, according to the legal definition, but they represent a major humanitarian and human rights challenge, as well as a major challenge for world politics.

In this quote, Antonio Guterres, the current Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlights the increasing global issue of resource scarcity and its impact on migration. He argues that when resources such as water, food, or energy become scarce, people are forced to compete for them, which can lead to conflict and displacement. This competition for limited resources often forces people to move, creating a rise in migration. While Guterres acknowledges that these individuals may not fit the legal definition of refugees (who are typically fleeing persecution or conflict), he stresses that they still represent a significant humanitarian and human rights challenge.

Guterres’ point draws attention to the broader context of climate change, economic inequality, and political instability that can exacerbate resource scarcity, leading to forced migration. In many cases, people may be displaced not by war or political persecution, but by environmental degradation, such as droughts, floods, or the depletion of natural resources. These individuals are often left without legal protections, as they don't qualify for refugee status under international law, which creates gaps in humanitarian support and legal frameworks for their protection.

The origin of this quote comes from Guterres’ extensive work on global issues related to migration and human rights. As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) before becoming Secretary-General, Guterres dealt with the complexities of displacement on a global scale. His perspective on the interconnection between resource scarcity and migration is rooted in his experiences dealing with refugees and internally displaced people around the world, especially as environmental challenges continue to intensify.

Ultimately, Guterres’ quote underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address resource management, climate change, and displacement in order to prevent further human suffering and ensure global stability. His words call for a reevaluation of migration policies and human rights protections, as the world faces new challenges in an increasingly interconnected and resource-constrained future.