The International Conference on Development and Migration, held on Monday, brought together several UN agencies and representatives from many countries involved in the management of migration flows to address challenges such as irregular migration and forced international displacement.
‘Complete challenges’
“Forced displacement and mixed mobility are complex challenges for everyone: countries of origin, countries of transit and countries of destination,” said UNHCR High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi.
“Resolving this requires international cooperation, resources, and patient work because there are many and overlapping reasons that people move – violence, conflict, persecution for some; climate change, poor governance, lack of economic opportunities for others. “
UNHCR is advocating for a new “whole-of-the-route” approach to address the mixed flow of refugees and migrants, taking into account the entire situation of the people themselves.
The first point of the new approach is to ensure that access to the territory for asylum seekers must be respected as a fundamental human right and an obligation of States everywhere.
“The pushes and collective expulsions, especially in places and situations that are not safe, are never acceptable,” said Mr. Grandi
For those not in need of international protection, a safe, sustainable, and dignified return to countries of origin is critical.
The new approach also stipulates that saving lives must remain the top priority of governments everywhere, at sea and on land.
More investments
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) emphasizes the importance of continued investment in managing the growing numbers.
“Last year, natural disasters displaced 32.6 million people: 7.5 million in sub-Saharan Africa alone. But this is only the beginning. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) estimates that more than 300 million people live in communities that are extremely vulnerable to climate change,” said the incoming head of the IOM, Amy Pope.
“No government or international organization can do this work alone. We need to invest in the partnership of all sectors of society, we need the private sector to invest, recognizing that they benefit from good migration management, and we need the support of civil society,” he added.
Economic incentives
Migration, if properly managed, contributes to the development of all countries – whether host, origin, or transit – involved in this phenomenon, and societies at all levels, say the leading UN agencies on the issue.
“Evidence shows that well-managed migration encourages economic development. Considering demographic trends and the changing global labor market, we must start now to develop more comprehensive, inclusive, and strategic solutions to migration and integrate more strategic and humanitarian mobility policies into regional and national adaptation plans,” said Ms.
Safer alternatives
The new approach also highlights how expanding legal migration channels such as family reunification, repatriation, scholarships, and other mechanisms that provide opportunities, can be important in providing safer alternatives to migrants.
Addressing the causes of displacement is the final piece of the puzzle in ending the refugee crisis, as outlined in the new approach.
“Everyone must do more to address the climate emergency, promote good governance, invest in development, end conflict and persecution, and protect human rights,” Grandi said.
“These efforts can only be strategic if they are collective, on the part of all States and institutions concerned. I hope that this conference – finally – will encourage everyone to work together in this direction,” he added.