Remarks by H.E. Mr Mogens Lykketoft, President of the 70th session of the General Assembly on UN-IOM agreement
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, as we know, the number of people on the move, including those who are fleeing conflict and persecution, is at an unprecedentedly high level.
Through the World Humanitarian Summit last May and the high level plenary meeting of the General Assembly on 19 September on large movement of refugees and migrants, the international community is working to strengthen the global response and address both immediate and longer term challenges associated with this situation.
As the global lead organization on migration, the IOM plays an important role in the protection of migrants’ rights and in the assistance of displaced people and migration-affected communities, including in the areas of resettlement and returns.
In this context, the UN and the IOM have a strong mutual interest in a strengthened institutional relationship during these difficult times.
The General Assembly, by its resolution 70/263 of 27 April 2016, recognised this need and invited the Secretary-General to take steps to conclude an agreement between the two organizations to this end.
I therefore congratulate the UN Secretary-General and the Director General of IOM on the agreement that was just approved by the General Assembly.
It is an example of the kind of concrete action that is needed in the face of the current crisis.
As mentioned in the Secretary-General’s Note, the agreement will be signed at the 19 September 2016 meeting.