Migration, both behind and beyond borders, has become an increasingly prominent issue in domestic and international debates. The HDR09 proposes to address this theme, exploring how the movement of people can expand human capabilities and entitlements, and how to address the underlying inequalities and distortions which limit the potential gains.

The UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. They are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and their wide range of partners. Every year since 1990, the UNDP has commissioned the Human Development Report by an independent team of experts to explore major issues of global concern.