Migration body joins UN family
What you need to know:
A statement released on Tuesday by IOM said through the agreement, the UN recognises IOM as an indispensable actor in the field of human mobility.
Dar es Salaam. The United Nations (UN) recognises the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) as one of its affiliated bodies.
A statement released on Tuesday by IOM said through the agreement, the UN recognises IOM as an indispensable actor in the field of human mobility.
“This includes protection of migrants and displaced people in war-torn communities, as well as in areas of refugee resettlement and voluntary returns and incorporates migration in country development plans,” reads part of the statement.
According to IOM, the UN adopted the body during its General Assembly held on July 25, this year.
In another development, UN General Assembly, hosted a high-level summit in New York to address the large movements of refugees and migrants, with the aim of bringing countries together behind a more humane and coordinated approach.
This is the first time that world leaders are coming together at the United Nations to address issues affecting both refugees and migrants.
IOM said in a statement that the meeting had come at an appropriate time because with over 60 million people displaced globally, there was a need of collective effort by international community.
During the assembly, UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, called upon everyone to work together to define a clear path guided by international refugee law, human rights and humanitarian law.
“At the UN Summit, the world came together around one plan. Member states reached agreement by consensus on a powerful outcome document. The New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants expresses the political will of world leaders to save lives, protect rights and share responsibility on a global scale,” reads another part of the statement.
In adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development last year, member states agreed to cooperate internationally to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration involving full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of migrants regardless of their status.
Dr Qasim Sufi, IOM Tanzania Chief of Mission, said: “The summit is an historic opportunity for the world to agree on a better response to large movements of refugees and migrants.
