By: Yohannes Fentahun
The Second Regional Review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) has officially commenced in Addis Ababa, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss and enhance international cooperation on migration. Adopted by the United Nations in 2018, the GCM serves as a comprehensive framework addressing all dimensions of migration, from root causes to its far-reaching impacts.
The conference features prominent speakers who are at the forefront of migration policy and practice. In his opening remarks Claver Gatete, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa emphasized the critical need for ‘free movement for African professionals,’ highlighting its ‘potential to enhance economic growth and social cohesion across the continent.’
He advocated for robust social protection for migrants and underscored the importance of accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) to facilitate seamless movement. Additionally, Gatete called for ‘the establishment of climate-resilient migration policies and greater cooperation in migration management to address the challenges posed by both climate change and migration.’
Amy Pope, Director General for International Organization for Migration, and Coordinator of the United Nations Network on Migration for her part focused on best practices for leveraging the positive aspects of migration. She outlined priorities aimed at saving lives and underscored the importance of data in providing clear image of migration and migrants condition globally. Citing the World Bank, she noted that migration plays a significant role in development, and stressed the need for technical assistance and migration partnerships. Pope also raised concerns about the ongoing criminalization of migration and the detrimental effects it has on migrants' rights and safety.
Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development, and African Union Commission also discussed the African Union's (AU) commitment to addressing migratory challenges, urging member states to ratify agreements facilitating the free movement of people and goods. She highlighted the AU's support for member states in crafting effective policies to manage migration, stressing that collaborative efforts are essential for tackling the multifaceted issues related to migration across Africa.
Welcoming the participants Ethiopia’s minister of Justice and Head of Ethiopian coalition partnership for migration Gideon Timotios expressed Ethiopia’s efforts in implementing the principles of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
The Second Regional Review aims to foster dialogue and generate actionable solutions to improve the lives of migrants and host communities alike. As nations come together to reaffirm their commitment to the GCM, the discussions in Addis Ababa will play a crucial role in shaping the future of migration policies in Africa and beyond.