Contributing to high-level policy debates on contemporary migration, ICMC recalls, first and foremost, the need to protect the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their administrative status. In particular, this includes recognition of migrants’ contributions—and obligations—towards social cohesion and the greater common good of their new communities; the paramount importance of family unity; and the need to re-examine current phenomenon of the movement of people—especially the most vulnerable.

Addressing the governments and international organizations at the Forum in Athens, Holy See representative, Archbishop Augustino Marchetto, called for “a search for new solutions at international level, in addition to local ones.” These solutions, notes ICMC, must include the design of sensible new mechanisms that better, and more fairly, match the realities of global labour markets, even in difficult economic times.

In this direction, ICMC has launched an initiative for Conversations on the Global Governance of Migration (GGM), led by Ambassador Sergio Marchi. The GGM will directly engage high level national and international leaders of migration thinking and management—including major UN and international institutions, and civil society—in examining how best to take next steps towards improved collaboration and deepened integration of relevant initiatives, in order to more effectively address the challenges and opportunities of today’s global migration.

ICMC is one of the leading voices pressing for targeted and adequately supported development programmes as a key means of ensuring that migration is by choice, rather than necessity. Directly and through member bishops’ conferences in 130 countries of the world, ICMC has long worked at the intersection of migration and development on the ground. With staff and programmes in over 40 countries, ICMC responds to the challenges of people on the move and their communities, implementing and advocating for rights-based policies and durable solutions.

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For further information, please contact: Alanna RYAN, Communications Officer, by phone: + 41 22 919 10 36, or by email: ryan@icmc.net<

Note: A longer statement of ICMC perspectives related to the Global Forum on Migration and Development, prepared in collaboration with a number of other organizations engaged in migration and/or development work around the world, is available at www.icmc.net<.

Towards global solutions on migration and development (384.1 KB)

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Hacia soluciones globales sobre la migracion y el desarrollo (433.99 KB)