John Bingham, ICMC Head of Advocacy, was one of three speakers to address the General Assembly in the first session of the hearings, on the subject of promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to international migration, and ensuring respect for and protection of the human rights of all migrants and their families.

In its resolution 58/208 of 23 December 2003, the General Assembly decided to devote a high-level dialogue to international migration and development during its sixty-first session in 2006. The purpose of the high-level dialogue is to discuss the multidimensional aspects of international migration and development in order to identify appropriate ways and means to maximize its development benefits and minimize its negative impacts.

Additionally, the high-level dialogue should have a strong focus on policy issues, including the challenge of achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).