- 2nd Regional Review Forum 2024 kicks-off
ADDIS ABABA – The effective implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) framework would have a paramount importance to promote right-based migration issues in the region, African stakeholders said.
Second GCM Regional Review in Africa Region, organized by UNECA and IOM, brought together governments and multi-stakeholders from 54 African countries, was kicked off yesterday here aiming to assess the progress of GCM implementation.
On behalf of the Coordinator of the United Nations Network on Migration, Senior Director, Office of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications Representative Director General Catalina Devandas remarked that this practical framework for achieving inclusive societies govern rights-based migrations to create better opportunities for all migrants.
She expressed commitments for inclusive and effective engagement of all stakeholders in pursuit of the fullest implementation of the GCM along with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in the region.
She said, adding that it also offers a unique platform to address migration in all its dimensions requiring horizontal and vertical cooperation with all relevant actors to reinforce the inter-linkages with sustainable development.
As migration continues to be a key issue across the region, stakeholders and inter-governments engagement would be a viable platform to align the regional priorities in line with global frameworks, she noted.
For her part, Director and Founder of Candle of Hope based in Kenya and Somalia Nimo Ali stated that collaboration is vital to embrace the well-development of GCM to help ensure Africa’s free, safe and orderly migration policies for migrant’s free movement, social inclusion and integration.
Apart from combating human trafficking and smuggling issues, she said that the framework addresses regular migration and access to decent work in areas.
“Poverty, climate change and displacement, conflicts are driving factors of migration,” she added.
African member states should strengthen regional cooperation by setting regular pathways for free movement by effectively implementing this framework not to leave everyone behind.
During the event, the panelists and delegates have explored significant insights on the revolving migration governance frameworks and countries have shared their respective countries’ experiences.
Reiterating that employers, private sectors and civil society organizations play a pivotal role in this regard, Nimo said that spearheading own mechanisms along with pertinent stakeholders and regional actors is crucial to address migration narratives sustainably.
The panelists have also insisted on strengthening regional collaboration, and fostering opportunities for peer learning and cross-regional cooperation to manage the migration issues meaningfully.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2024
