BAGHDAD, 8 June—Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Migration and Displaced, with support from the Government of Sweden, organized the Conference on Migration Management in Iraq: A Dialogue on Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions.

This event brought together key stakeholders to address the complex dynamics of migration management and governance within and beyond Iraq, foster ongoing policy dialogue, and further promote whole-government and whole-society approaches to migration management.

"This conference serves as an important platform to review our progress on the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), identify challenges, and explore opportunities through enhanced cooperation between governmental and non-governmental stakeholders," Ms. Evan Faeq Jabor, the Minister of Migration and Displaced, highlighted.

The conference underscored the importance of evidence- and data-based migration management and addressed the challenges of irregular migration by, among other things, providing regular pathways for migrants. Other pillars of effective migration management policies, such as diaspora engagement and strengthened cooperation between governmental, international, and non-governmental actors, were also the focus of discussion.

"By working together, we can address the root causes of irregular migration and promote safe and orderly migration channels so that no one is left behind," said George Gigauri, IOM Iraq Chief of Mission, in his welcoming speech. "In achieving these goals, the engagement of local civil society organizations is crucial. Their inclusion in discussions and decision-making processes will ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach to migration governance."

"We, as the Government of Iraq and the Ministry of Migration and Displaced, have achieved many results in implementing the GCM in Iraq, and we seek more support from the international community to continue its implementation," Ms. Jabro added.

IOM commends Iraq for its dedication to improving migration management and implementing the GCM through the National Migration Management Strategy (NMMS). Since becoming a GCM Champion Country in 2021, Iraq has shown exemplary leadership, and IOM remains committed to supporting the government in achieving its migration management goals.

The Minister praised "all the support provided by the International Organization for Migration, other international communities and donors in implementing the NMMS in Iraq, which is considered the national framework for implementing the Global Compact for Migration."

The event has emphasized the collective commitment of all stakeholders to strengthen migration governance and implementation of the Global Compact. This collaborative effort will contribute significantly to the process of the regional review of the GCM in Cairo on 3-4 July 2024 and the International Migration Review Forum in 2026, shaping the regional framework for migration and the global discourse on migration governance.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

 The GCM, a landmark international agreement adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018, known as the Marrakesh Compact on Migration, is a testament to the global commitment to facilitating safe, orderly, and regular migration while reducing the incidence of irregular migration and its negative impact through international cooperation and measures. It provides a framework for managing global migration in all dimensions, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to improving the overall benefits of migration while addressing the risks and challenges faced by individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit, and destination.

The GCM is not legally binding, but governments have a political and moral responsibility to demonstrate progress in achieving their goals. Starting in 2020, Member States are expected to report on their progress every four years at the regional level and again every four years at the global level at the International Migration Review Forum, which will be held at the UN General Assembly starting in 2022.

For more info, please visit our website: www.iraq.iom.int    

For media inquiries, please contact Deepika Nath, dnath@iom.int