"We need to act with firmness in shaping a migration regime that upholds rights and dignity of all"

Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), has urged the people to act with firmness in shaping a migration regime that upholds the rights of all.

He made this remark in his closing remarks at the IMRF Informal Multi-stakeholder Hearing, on Monday.

Expressing his honor in having hosted the discussion ahead of the inaugural IMRF, PGA Shahid stated that the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach that the Global Compact on Migration advocates for was reflected in the participation of Member States.

Noting that the discussions saw important perspectives on how to deepen and strengthen the engagement of all relevant stakeholders within the UN System, including the UN Network on Migration and Member States, PGA Shahid asserted that the realization of this goal will be “essential” to the outcomes of the IMRF.

He noted that it was heartening to hear from broader stakeholders including civil society organizations, cities and others, who presented pledges at the hearing.

PGA Shahid highlighted that the historic milestone was achieved after monumental efforts by all stakeholders, which were fueled by bold ambitions stemming from the collective desire to realize the aspirations and principles of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Stressing that the world “continues” to reel from the tremors of the Covid-19 pandemic even now; from socio-economic repercussions of geopolitical strife and from the devastating impacts of a climate crisis, PGA Shahid stated that all of this only adds to challenges that migrants face.

These shocks also add to the challenges faced by global leaders and policymakers, in managing cross border movements and responding to the needs of migrants and host-communities.

Highlighting that the people can no longer dither or equivocate as time is the essence, PGA Shahid pushed to act with firmness, conviction, and passion in implementing the Global Compact.

He also urged to act with passion and conviction in shaping a migration regime that upholds the rights, well-being, and dignity of everyone involved.