UN: Iraq has demonstrated its commitment to migration governance reforms

Baghdad - INA

Deputy Special Representative and Resident Coordinator of the United Nations and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Ishaqzai, confirmed today, Saturday, that Iraq has demonstrated its commitment to migration governance reforms, noting that the United Nations is working with the Government of Iraq to support the Global Compact for Migration.

Zai said, at the Migration Management Conference in Iraq, attended by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) correspondent: “We appealed to the Ministry of Migration and Displacement to manage migration in accordance with the Global Compact for Migration,” adding: “A few years ago, Iraq faced major displacement crises, and witnessed diverse migration patterns.” “This creates challenges and opportunities simultaneously.”

He continued, "The United Nations is working closely with the Government of Iraq to support the implementation of the agreement, and one of the most notable milestones was the launch of the national mechanism in December 2022, which demonstrates Iraq's commitment to the Global Compact for Migration, which enhances the state's cooperation in facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration and dignified returns readmission and sustainable integration.

Zai considered today’s conference “an important platform to discuss the necessary national cooperation to prepare for the second conference of the Global Compact for Migration, which will be held in Cairo in the coming days.” 

He pointed out, "The partnership between the United Nations Network on Migration in Iraq and the coordination between the International Organization for Migration and the Government of Iraq through the Ministry of Migration and Displacement ensures support at the United Nations level to strengthen migration management in line with the Global Compact on Migration and the Sustainable Development Goals."
 
Zai praised “the strategic role played by Iraq in supporting the Global Compact for Migration alongside Egypt and Morocco. The successful completion of the second migration governance indicators assessment in October 2023 and the policy pledges to the Global Compact for Migration in Iraq earlier this year reflect a strong commitment to governance reforms.”. 

He concluded by saying: “We seize the opportunity to review progress achieved, identify challenges and explore opportunities to strengthen regular migration pathways and address non-irregular migration.”