Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

16 May 2022

 

Excellencies, Friends,

 

It is my honour and privilege to welcome you to this hearing, ahead of the inaugural International Migration Review Forum.

 

The Forum follows months of tireless preparations. I thank all stakeholders who are participating, including UN representatives, civil society organizations, and member states.

 

Many of the stakeholders, here and around the world, made invaluable contributions to formulating the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration and its implementation.

 

We need your continued participation now to ensure its success. As we work toward our vision of a safe and effective global migration regime, we must employ a holistic effort, mobilizing

entire governments and societies. My Office has made every effort to shape an inclusive forum of diverse voices.

 

My dear friends,

 

I have made advocating for the “rights of all” one of the key priorities of my ‘Presidency of Hope’. That, of course, includes the rights of migrants, who are often among the world’s most marginalized and vulnerable communities.

 

While many migrants leave their respective country of birth after a careful consideration, others are forced to undertake their journeys due to desperate circumstances born of conflict and scarcity. They then continue to face many difficulties in their journey.

 

Regardless of their circumstances or status, the fundamental human rights of all migrants must be respected.

 

Excellencies,

 

The adoption of the Global Compact remains a historic milestone. Through its comprehensive, 360 degrees, approach we can shape a global migration regime that unlocks the benefits of migration while mitigating its risks. One which addresses the concerns and priorities of migrants and host-communities alike.

 

While it is remarkable how much progress we have made in recent years in terms of implementing the provisions of the Compact, our successes remain fragile, and we must make every effort to consolidate our gains.

 

This is particularly important considering the challenges ahead. The shadow of the COVID19 pandemic continues to loom large, and we have also witnessed regional and global conflicts escalate to a scale not witnessed in generations. All of this has profound repercussions for migration. We need to prepare and act.

 

Towards this end, we will need the help and assistance of all stakeholders.

 

Excellencies,

 

As I have mentioned, we have ensured that today’s meeting is a platform for multiple voices, from all corners of society.

 

By drawing upon the diversity of our experiences, insights, and skills we can better position ourselves to advance relevant recommendations and identify best-practices in implementing the

Global Compact at all levels. We will also be able to better fulfil the recommendations of the Secretary General’s report.

 

Our priorities are to:

 

· Promote inclusive societies and include migrants in COVID-19 response and recovery.

· Promote safe and regular migration.

· Prevent loss of life and other tragedies during migrants’ journeys.

· And build capacity.

 

Towards these ends, we must reflect on which objectives need to be reinforced. And we need to consider the progress we can make through committing to pledges.

 

Excellencies,

 

Today’s key outcomes and recommendations will be carried into the opening plenary of the IMRF by Mr. Colin Rajah, in his capacity as a representative of civil society. The summary will help apprise governments about existing gaps and the best methods of closing them, in a time-bound and impactful manner.

 

I see and welcome how eager all of you are to contribute to the thematic discussions and the forum.

 

By infusing our discussion with that same enthusiasm, we can create a powerful framework for concrete action. Action that aligns with the Global Compact for Migration and protects the most vulnerable while facilitating safe and regular pathways for migration.

 

I hope that by working together, we will be closer to achieving our vision of humane, safe, orderly, and regular migration.

 

Thank you, and I wish you all a very productive discussion.