Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
20 May 2022
Excellencies, colleagues, friends,
I thank everyone who participated in this inaugural International Migration Review Forum. The diversity, richness, and liveliness of our discussions over the week has been an enriching experience.
My sincere appreciation to everyone who responded to my call to include representatives of various ministries, sectors, local authorities, and stakeholders in their delegations. This was critical to reflect the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach we continue to advocate for.
I am especially grateful for the participation of migrants themselves. Their perspectives must always be at the center of discussions that concern their future and well-being.
Excellencies,
Five months before the forum, on December 10th, 2021, we launched the “pledging initiative”, together with the UN Network on Migration. I am thrilled by its concrete outcomes.
More than 200 pledges have now been made to foster the implementation of the 23 objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. 25 Member States have made over 100 pledges.
Pledges are not just financial. They include technical, legislative and policy commitments in terms of regularization; the collection,
and dissemination of data; ending child-detention; supporting national implementation plans; and enhancing access to services, among others.
There were also innovative pledges reflecting the linkages between climate change and mobility. This included mainstreaming migration issues in climate action, investing in renewable energy, and implementing efficient energy grids for schools located in provinces where most migrants live.
In addition to this, Member States have announced additional contributions for more than 400 million US dollars to the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
Reflecting the integral role played by cities and local communities, mayors from different regions presented 70 local actions that make a tangible difference in the lives of migrants.
These pledges go far beyond symbolism and will support solutions that will substantially benefit the lives of migrants and host-communities.
Excellencies
During this week, we have continued to reiterate that the Global Compact for Migration is rooted in, and will help us achieve, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. And we have highlighted it as our roadmap to achieve good migration governance.
I am heartened by all the examples that governments have shared of their progress in meeting various objectives, and of their approaches to implementing the compact in a manner that addresses the impacts of COVID-19.
I also appreciate the honest reflections regarding present gaps, shortcomings and future challenges in the round tables and the policy debate.
This assessment will guide us, as we seek to implement more effective governance going forward, while addressing challenges by migrants. Challenges that include saving lives, negative narratives, discrimination, the lack of regular pathways, exploitation by smuggling networks, and many others.
These are critical issues that affect the safety of both migrants and host-communities. It is our responsibility to address them. In the powerful words of one panelist, every single person deserves to know that they are safe.
The IMRF is the only high-level meeting envisioned to mobilize collective action to harness the benefits of safe, orderly, and regular migration, while addressing risks and challenges faced in countries of origin, transit, and destination, and during migrant journeys.
It is up to us to deliver on our promises by the time we meet again in four years.
Excellencies,
The adoption of the Progress Declaration is a landmark decision that reaffirms the Global Compact as the only comprehensive and sufficiently ambitious framework for international migration governance. It is designed to holistically improve the well-being of both migrants and host-communities. [The fact that the Declaration has been adopted by consensus, is yet another indication of the collective will, and intention of the international community around the implementation of the Global Compact, and to tackle the challenges around migration]
The Progress Declaration lays out actions to accelerate the implementation of the Global Compact and to strengthen cooperation on international migration, while building on best-practices, including those that emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration is the result of an inclusive, open, and transparent process which included extensive consultations with Member States, relevant stakeholders, and UN entities.
I commend the work done by the co-facilitators, including Her Excellency Ms. Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; and His Excellency, Mr. Olivier Maes, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg.
Excellencies,
As we now strive to recover from the pandemic, we have the option to rethink and reshape how we manage migration. Going forward, we must prioritize equitable policies, that uphold human rights for everyone involved. To succeed, we must build on the momentum of this forum and strengthen our partnerships.
The fact that so many of us have come here, representing so many different institutions, governments, organizations, and stakeholders, is testimony that it is possible to make progress through our solidarity and conviction. If anything, I hope that this is one of the key takeaways from this forum.
In conclusion, I thank all of you for the strong level of your engagement. I thank the Director General of IOM and the Coordinator for the UN Network on Migration, and his entire team for the excellent cooperation in organizing this very successful inaugural International Migration Review Forum.
A special thanks to my team and the UN Secretariat for their hard work throughout this week and in the weeks leading up to this day.
Thank you and I wish you a pleasant evening.
