By: Mariama Njie
International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Gambia on Thursday held a consultative meeting to kick -start the review process of the global compact for migration.
The global compact is the first inter-governmentally negotiated agreement covering all dimensions of international migration.
Speaking at the event, Fumiko Nagano, Chief of Mission for Migration (IOM) said they are please to support the government in starting the national review process on the implementation of the global Compact for migration.
She said: “it is the first comprehensive framework on migration developed through inter-governmental negotiations in the United Nations.”
She also said the Gambia has quickly get use to the global compact for migration objectives as a framework to better manage migration in the country.
“As the pandemic’s socioeconomic impact leaves many vulnerable to exploitation, the GCM’s 9th and 10th objectives remind us of our commitment to combat smuggling and trafficking,” she said.
Meanwhile, she said the pandemic has had a significant impact on many vulnerable migrants and on their ability to harness the benefits of well managed migration.
“Despite the challenging year we must endeavor not to lose the gains we have made in promoting safe and orderly migration,” she said.
She urged officials not to view the GCM as merely document on paper, with tick boxes to check but to commit to its implementation and keep track of their process.
Dawda .L. Ceesay, Permanent Secretary Office of Vice President, said since the launched of the GCM elaboration process in September 2016, the government has worked to articulate the Gambia’s position on migration issues in a matter that responds to the importance of migration issues.
“The review process we are launching today is a result of a long process of consultation among key government stakeholders working on migration,” he said.
The government recognizes the challenges faced by our returning migrants who most often are affected by negative perception and stereotypes about returning home without realizing their European dreams, he added.
