Positive agenda on migration governance needed, conclude participants of IOM and OSCE hosted discussion in Vienna

VIENNA, 14 December 2016 – Now more than ever there is a strong need for inclusive and collaborative dialogue promoting a positive agenda on migration governance, conclude in Vienna today participants of a discussion hosted by the OSCE and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the development of the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, following the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants adopted by the UN General Assembly in September.

The Vienna event, organized to mark the 2016 International Migrants’ Day (18 December), aimed to raise awareness among the OSCE participating States, experts, academia and think-tanks about the future steps and key challenges for the development of the Global Compact and its expected adoption in 2018.

The Global Compact, which is the first comprehensive framework on international migration, will set out a range of principles and commitments among Member States and will enhance global governance and coordination on the issue. It is expected to dominate the migration policy agenda in the next two years. 

 “The OSCE has an obvious role in contributing to good migration governance at the regional level and support the development of a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration,” said Secretary General Lamberto Zannier.

Zannier also noted that in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, States have reiterated their determination to effectively and positively govern migration flows through the use of preventive diplomacy; the promotion of economic prosperity and good governance; and the protection of the human rights of individuals. “These are indeed the founding pillars of the OSCE multidimensional and comprehensive concept of security.”

The IOM, which will provide the technical and policy expertise to the development of the Global Compact was represented by Laura Thompson, IOM Deputy Director General. Thompson highlighted that the development and negotiations of the Global Compact for Migration is an ambitious undertaking to be accomplished in just two years. “We will succeed only if we join forces and continue strengthening our partnerships. We cannot miss this opportunity we were given to bring a global response to the global phenomenon that is migration; And today’s meeting is showing us that we are on the right path.”

Ambassador Eberhard Pohl, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council in 2106, underlined that the decision on the governance of large movements of migrants and refugees adopted at the OSCE Ministerial Council last week in Hamburg sends a strong signal.  “OSCE participating States will continue to work on this issue with high priority and the OSCE’s efforts will contribute to global processes led by the United Nations.” Pohl underlined the continuing international commitment of Germany on the topic, for example in the framework of the Global Forum on Migration and Development in the years 2017-18 that will be co-chaired with Morocco.