The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, in partnership with International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Network on Migration, hosted the Interregional Dialogue on the Reviews of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) for Interstate Consultation Mechanisms on Migration in Africa and the Americas.
The two-day workshop aims to enhance cooperation between Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean region on migration issues, with a focus on labor mobility and the protection of migrant workers.
This initiative aims to improve information sharing, review the progress of Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration implementation and explore collaboration opportunities at the global, regional and cross-regional levels.
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Secretary Ambassador Lang Yabou welcomed the guests from various countries to The Gambia and reaffirmed the Government's commitment, cooperation and solidarity in relation to migration. He noted that The Gambia is one of the Global Champion of Global Compact on Migration because like many other countries, is deeply affected by migration. “Therefore, it is important to have a wholesome approach to manage migration effectively,” he added.
Ambassador Yabou encouraged stakeholders at all levels to continue to engage in constructive dialogue and exchange to strengthen collective efforts which will promote safe, orderly and regular migration, as well as protect the rights of migrants and harness the potential of migration for sustainable development.
In her opening remarks, the representative of the Office of the High Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR), Ms Yvonne Masara had this to say: “We recognize the Government of The Gambia for its dedication and commitment to the GCM and for creating a comprehensive framework which will aim to address the challenges, opportunities and issues surrounding migration”.
The event was attended by various technicians from across the international community and representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs across the continent.
By Fatoumatta L Sisay
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