Efforts to address needs of refugees and migrants have to be stepped up, says OSCE Secretary General Zannier on International Migrants Day

VIENNA, 18 December 2015 – We must address ongoing mass movements of people in a humane and comprehensive manner, ensuring the respect of human rights and international obligations, says OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier on International Migrants Day.

“The OSCE provides a political platform for action-oriented discussion for its participating States and Partners for Co-operation in neighbouring regions. Our aim is to strengthen the international response by building synergies with key stakeholders, promote long-term approaches such as integration, tolerance and non-discrimination, while also offering expertise on a range of border-related challenges.”

Zannier noted that the ongoing emergency has created tensions among states. “There are too many dividing lines already. Migration management should be a catalyst for regional dialogue and co-operation between countries of origin, transit and destination.”

“We should strive to put forward a positive narrative on migration, and show that we can be true to the values and principles that have made Europe a beacon for so many,” noted Zannier.

Secretary General Zannier will host a Security Days event devoted to migration on 3-4 March 2016, in Rome.