Fifth Multi-Stakeholder Hearing on Migration
– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, at Fifth Informal Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing “Migration – What’s Really Going On: Lessons from the Field”
Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to this informal interactive multi-stakeholder hearing. It is our fifth one. And that means it is also our final one.
I want to start by thanking Special Representative Arbour, and Director-General Swing, for their ongoing commitment.
These interactive hearings have been a major part of our work towards a Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
We have covered a lot of ground – over the last four sessions.
We have heard harrowing accounts, of smuggling and trafficking.
We have discussed migration from both national and regional perspectives.
We have talked about the dangers of misinformation – and the need for an evidence-based approach.
And we have reinforced that migration affects all of society – so all of society is needed, to respond.
I believe these discussions have had an impact. They have helped to inform the direction of the Global Compact. And, they have allowed us to take a break from the politics – and focus, instead, on the realities.
Our theme today is broad. It will cover many different issues – from labour to healthcare services.
The overarching aim, however, is clear: to learn about what is already happening on the ground.
But, as my first point, I want to take a step back – and look, more broadly, at what we are doing here.
We are moving towards the world’s first Global Compact on Migration.
And, in doing so, we are acknowledging something fundamental: migration is here to stay.
It is not a trend. It is not a phase. And it is not going to disappear, over time.
The only question is how to respond.
Before, we tried to do it alone. But now we have decided to do it together. We have said, firmly, that a global phenomenon needs a global response.
This will require a balancing act. We need to cater to the needs and rights of migrants. And, at the same time, the needs and rights of states and communities.
But, there is something else, to bear in mind. And that is: we are not inventing anything. We are not starting from scratch.
People have migrated for centuries. That means we have centuries of policies and practices…trials and errors…successes and failures – to learn from.
And, there are best practices taking place right now, on the ground – and we need to ensure our discussions are inspired by them.
And that is why we are here today.
Which brings me, as my second point, to turn to our panellists.
We talk, in here, about best practices. But they are out there – creating them.
Look, for example, at Uber. At one point, it was a start-up company. Now, it is a household name. And, migrants have been a force – in fact, literally, a driving force – behind its success. Here, in the United States, Uber’s employees represent over 90 different countries. And, the company has developed many innovative programmes and policies – in line with this trend. I am very glad they can share their story with us.
We will also hear, today, from a Libyan NGO – called the Shaik Tahir Azzawi Charity Organization. It assists people in need. And, in doing so, it does not differentiate between those who are born on Libyan soil, and those who came from elsewhere. This model puts needs over immigration status. And now we have an opportunity to listen to their lessons learned.
Now, onto my third point – which is about partnerships.
We need our migration policies to enable development. We need them to safeguard human rights. We need them to ensure security. And we can, I believe, have all these three elements at once.
But not if we work alone. Not if we choose one over the other. Not if we shut out one sector – or one group. We need a whole of society approach. And we need partnerships to get it.
But, again, this is not something we need to start from scratch. There are already many partnerships, now, on the ground. We need to learn from the ones that are working well – and make sure we see more of them. And, this hearing is a good opportunity.
For example, we will hear from the Centre of Migrant Advocacy. This Organization is based in the Philippines. And it does crucial work, providing assistance to vulnerable Filipino migrant workers. Services include documentation, legal representation and livelihood assistance. But the important thing to note is its close work with different kinds of partners – from Government officials, to businesses and other NGOS.
I am confident it will not be the only example of partnerships we hear about today.
You are the ones out there, experiencing the realities of migration. You are the ones who are seeing that many of the words and phrases, contained in the New York Declaration, have already been brought to life. You are the reality checks; the sounding boards; the sources of information, as we head into the final stages of negotiation.
Excellencies – dear colleagues and friends,
I want to conclude here. Because, frankly, I am not the one who can add value today.
We need you.
Your ideas, solutions, experiences and opinions.
Yes, I am talking here about our esteemed panellists. But we also need to hear from everyone else.
You are the ones out there, experiencing the realities of migration. You are the ones who are seeing that many of the words and phrases, contained in the New York Declaration, have already been brought to life. You are the reality checks; the sounding boards; the sources of information, as we head into the final stages of negotiation.
We have too much experience and expertise in this room not to harness it.
And, remember: there are no rules or limits on the themes and issues we can discuss today. All of it will inform our efforts towards the Global Compact.
Please, take the floor – raise your voices – and share your reality.
I thank you all again.
