United Nations, December 18 (RHC)-- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that 2015 will be remembered as a year of human suffering and migrant tragedies.

Global candlelight vigils marked the International Day of Migrants today to remember the thousands of women, men and children who lost their lives in arduous journeys in search of protection and a better life.

In a message issued from the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon said: “On International Migrants Day, let us commit to coherent, comprehensive and human rights-based responses guided by international law and standards and a shared resolve to leave no one behind.”

The Secretary-General urged all countries to sign and ratify the Convention as only one-fourth of UN Member States have done so. He also appealed for the expansion of safe channels for regular migration, including for family reunification, labor mobility at all skill levels, greater resettlement opportunities, and education opportunities for children and adults.