The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States’ Statement on the Occasion of International Migrants Day2021

alhadath – cairo

In the framework of the celebration of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS) of the International Migrants Day held on December 18 of each year, the General Secretariat affirms that migration is of particular importance to the Arab region given its specificity as a region of origin, transit and destination; and illustrates that drivers of migration in the region are as complex as its patterns and trends. The variation between levels of stability and development across the region is a significant driver shaping intra-regional and international migration. While some Arab countries continue to struggle with conflicts, others are attracting migrants from across the globe.
The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States also indicates that the region has witnessed a state of instability during the past decade that has led to the displacement of millions of people and caused an increase in mixed migration flows in an irregular way, contributing to the growth of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. In addition to the challenges facing the entire world as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that has impacted various aspects of life and severely affected human mobility in a way the world has never seen before. This pandemic had major repercussions particularly on migrants, as many of them lost their main source of income and have been exposed to hard situations.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu-Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General – Head of the Social Affairs Sector, called for the necessity to seize the occasion of the International Migrants Day, to enhance cooperation on migration in all its dimensions, foster the main principles of protecting migrants and members of their families, as well as defending their lives and rights in accordance with international conventions. H.E Dr.Abu Ghazaleh stressed the importance of continuing the dialogue between Arab countries, exchanging experiences, expertise, and lessons learned.

Recognizing the comprehensive vision offered by the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration(GCM) and its 23 objectives to improve migration governance, address challenges associated with it, and enhance the positive contributions of migration and migrants to sustainable development, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States will continue its work in cooperation with partners to provide technical support to its member states guiding them towards putting and developing national policies according to the conditions and priorities of each country, in a way that contributes to achieving the goals of the compact.
In this Regard, The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States refers to the regional report being prepared in partnership with the International Organization for Migration and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to include the Arab countries’ efforts in implementing the compact. The report will be submitted to the First International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) to be held from 10-13 May 2022.
The General Secretariat seizes this opportunity to renew its recognition of the important role that migrants are playing at the frontlines to support countries’ efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It values as well its member states’ efforts and initiatives to provide medical care and vaccinations to migrants alongside their citizens in light of the pandemic, despite all the challenges and circumstances they face. In addition, it stresses the importance of fostering collective actions and demonstrating the value of international cooperation in formulating solutions to make migration safe, orderly and regular.