Deputy Secretary-General's press remarks following the Signing of International Organization for Migration-United Nations Agreement [as prepared for delivery]
Press events | Jan Eliasson, Former Deputy Secretary-General
I am pleased to warmly welcome the International Organization for Migration to the United Nations family as a related organization.
Let me pay a special tribute to all Member States in IOM and the UN who made this possible as well as IOM Director-General William Lacy Swing for his hard work and foresight in realizing this goal.
The new agreement between our two organizations will benefit both. More importantly, it will benefit migrants and member States.
The challenges are great. The economic, social and political ramifications transcend borders.
But we also acknowledge the difficulties. We see the importance of ensuring safe, orderly, regular and responsible migration, with paramount attention to human rights and humanitarian obligations.
Today leaders from around the world are pledging to improve our response to human mobility in today’s world. The New York Declaration represents a global recognition that no one State can address this issue on its own, and that we must all share the responsibilities.
Today’s action is connected to our broader efforts to achieve sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda adopted one year ago recognizes the positive contributions of migrants to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals will help make migration a choice, not a necessity, by addressing the root causes of forced displacement.
The IOM is already making important contributions. Substantive and technical cooperation between the IOM and UN agencies, funds and programmes on migration related issues will be stronger now. And of course, existing mandates of respective UN entities in the areas of migration and refugees will not be affected.
Earlier this month, I met with some of the top officials of IOM serving on the frontlines around the world. I was impressed by their expertise, commitment and positive view of joining the UN.
I commend IOM for its outstanding work for migrants over the years. I look forward to expanding this positive impact through this historic agreement.
In closing, I also want to commend my UN colleagues for their constructive contributions and welcoming approach to having IOM join the UN. I am glad to have at my side Stephen Mathias, who led the UN work on the agreement with IOM.
Thank you.