International Migration Review Forum 2026 - Round Table 4

I call to order Roundtable on International Migration of the International Migration Review Forum. As we said earlier, on the 27th of April, this roundtable will provide a space for discussing the progress that has been made for goals 1, 3, 7, 17 and 23 of the global Compact on Safe, Regular and Orderly Migration.

Estelencias senoras y senores es uno noror

co presidires Tamesa Redonda. Ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to be co chairing this roundtable. We are here with a common goal to advance with the effect of implementation for safe, orderly and regular migration in a global context that requires increasingly coordinated responses that are evidence based and fully respectful of human rights. Migration is not just a sideline or an alternate reality. There are millions of people that live outside of their homes and countries of origin in a context marked by armed conflict, humanitarian disasters and geopolitical tensions, inequalities and other issues. Global mobility is part of our society. Since the Last forum in 2022, there has been significant progress. We have strengthened data system, we have broadened access to services, we have developed initiatives to improve the information available for migrants and we have intensified international cooperation in this area. However, while progress has been made, there are still many challenges that require us to join forces. The availability and quality of data is one area, the reliability of data. And there are also worrying gaps such as disinformation, xenophobia and hate speech, amongst other worrying trends. But above all, there are still situations of vulnerability. These are unacceptable when in addition to being a migrant, you're also a mother and a woman. The potential for vulnerability increases. And this is why migration policies should have incorporated the gender perspective by now. At the end of 2024, the UN refugee agency listed hundreds of thousand forcibly displaced people. According to the International organization for migration, 2024 was the most deadly year for migrants, with at least 8,000 dead migrants as the raw figures. To achieve truly safe and orderly migration. We shouldn't measure this only by the efficiency of border control. This is measured also in the ability to protect lives, prevent abuse, reduce vulnerabilities and guarantee rights. The topics that we will be covering today data, information, vulnerability, public discourse, internal cooperation, these are not independent or isolated. These are interdependent parts of a of the same reality. And we want migration policy to be inclusive and rights based. And so in this regard, allow me to highlight four Key elements. Firstly, the importance of evidence. The availability of reliable data is essential for ensuring effective public policies. Technological innovation, including artificial intelligence, can improve services and also help us identify need. But it should never be used as a tool for extreme inclusion or discriminatory profiling. Secondly, access to information as a form of protection. A lack of reliable data increases exposure to exploitation, to trafficking and people being at risk. Informing helps protect migrants. And thirdly, vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities are not inherent of migrants themselves. Vulnerability is a result of a lack of viable or safe pathways because people have been abandoned by the institutions. If these have been constructed, they can also be dismantled. And finally, we must strengthen social cohesion. The way we talk about migration influences the policies that we adopt. Language is not neutral. It can protect, but it can also exclude. In Spain, we have been working for some time to monitor and address racist and xenophobic hate speech, especially in the digital environment. We do so through the Spanish Observatory for Racism and Xenophobia. We're also finalizing a plan for citizenship and integration to how we can look at correcting our public policies in this area. We must guarantee opportunities, but share duties and responsibilities inspired by the common good. And this applies to migrants as well. And finally, I want to highlight international cooperation is the only real response here. Migration is a transnational phenomenon. No state can manage migration alone. It requires solidarity, partnerships and shared responses. I trust that this discussion will help to share experiences and strengthen our common goal to achieve a more effective, more just and more humane migration policy. I thank you. I will now give the floor to my co chair, Excellency Haturi, Minister of Expatriates and well being of Bangladesh. You have the floor.

Thank you, Excellency. It is a privilege to co chair this roundtable with even the implementation of objectives 1, 3, 7, 17 and 23 of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Excellency, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. The focus of this roundtable is on migration related data, information provision, reduction of vulnerabilities, elimination of discrimination and international cooperation guiding the pathway. Effective migration governance. Though there are notable progresses since the first imrf, yet significant gaps remain. Now the Member States need renewed commitment and collective action to narrow these gaps. In doing so, we must keep firmly in mind that migrant workers are not disposable labor inputs to be used when needed and set aside when not. They are human beings. They carry universal human rights and inherited dignity. We need innovative approaches in collecting and using accurate and disaggregate migration data and ensuring stronger safeguard for privacy and human rights. Enhancing national statistical capacities, improving interpretability across agencies and promoting internationally comparable standards are vital. Multi service information hubs, digital platforms and community based outreach are essential to ensure access to accurate and timely information across all stages of migration. Coordination among governors, local authorities and service providers is crucial in delivering consistent and accessible information. Excellency Vulnerability is obtained greatest here. Migrant labor remains less visible. Domestic workers, agricultural workers and those in informal and semi formal sectors remain specially exposed to experimentation, abused and unsafe conditions. We need a rights based approach to address and reduce these vulnerabilities. Anti migration narratives are on the rise obtained in racism and xenophobia. To combat these menaces, it is important to enhance accountability for hate speech and discrimination as well as to promote inclusive narratives. It is also crucial to address misinformation and disinformation through combined efforts in digital literacy initiatives, responsible use of technology and community engagement mechanism. On international cooperation we cannot overstate the importance of deepening bilateral and regional framework, strengthening cross border coordination and leveraging global platforms. Whole of government and whole of society approaches are critical to bridging the gaps. Migration is one of the foundations of human civilization. It will continue to exist. Our task is to manage migration better and protect people better so that it continues to benefit all humanity. With these few words, I now give the floor back to Excellency El Masaz Delgado, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration on Spain.

Thank you very much Fellow Co Chair. I'll now give the floor to Mr. Gehad Madi, Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, to deliver his keynote remarks.

Thank you very much Minister, Co Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues and partners, it is my pleasure to address you today on the last roundtable of the Forum at this pivotal moment for advancing our collective commitments under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migrations. Addressing data utilization, information vulnerabilities and international cooperation. Migration remains a defining feature of our interconnected world, shaped by a complex interplay of factors. Yet today, too often migrants encountered barriers that undermine their fundamental rights and dignity. The measure of our progress lie not in the ambition of our Declaration, but in the livid realities of migrants themselves. A human rights based approach to migration governance places migrants at the center of policy frameworks and is grounded in human rights, equality, non discrimination, accountability and above all the rule of law. It ensures access to justice, health care, education, housing and social protection irrespective of of migration status and safeguarding due process in all migration related procedures and consistent with Objective 3, guarantees access to accurate, timely information throughout the migration process to support informed decisions and reduce vulnerabilities. International cooperation in good faith is essential for effective rights based migration governance aligned with international law. As a transnational phenomenon, migration requires states to act consistently with shared commitments, promoting human rights, trust and solidarity through transparent, accountable cooperation that expands safe pathways and protect migrants throughout their journey. Nevertheless, international cooperation on migration often results in shifting responsibilities. Such externalization of migration governance takes various forms, including prevented arrival, outsourcing asylum procedures, and removing migrants to third states other than their countries of origin. These measures pose risks of violations of multiple rights, leave migrants in situation of legal limbo, and undermine transparency and accountability. Although framed as cooperation or partnership, such agreements and arrangements do not support the commitments set out in Objective 23 of the Global Compact of Migration. Externalization is often employed alongside other measures such as militarization of borders and criminalization of migration. These measures remain deeply concerned and leads to reformo arbitrary detention, family separation and other violations of the human rights of migrants. Regularization is a key policy tool. Expanding and diversifying regularization mechanisms can effectively reduce vulnerabilities linked to irregular migration by granting legal status, access to rights and protection from abuse. It also fosters inclusion, enabling migrants to contribute to the societies they live in while strengthening social cohesion and the rule of law. It reflects a pragmatic and humane response to complex migration realities consistent with state human rights obligation and the objectives of the Global Compact distinguished delegates. Particular attention must also be paid to migrants who face discrimination, including intersecting forms of discrimination, notably women, children, persons with disabilities and those in precarious labor situations. Addressing their specific needs requires inclusive, targeted and evidence based policies that adopt an intersectional approach to identifying and addressing the multiple and overlapping forms of discriminations they face. Efforts to combat discrimination must also address xenophobia and intolerance, including in public discourse and institutional practices, recognizing their harmful impact on migrants, access to rights and social inclusion. In line with Objective 1, strengthening data collection and analysis is critical to informing such policies. This includes the collection of reliable, disaggregated data to identify gaps and measures progress while fully respecting the right to privacy, data protection and the principles of do no harm. Equally meaningful participation of migrants in decision making processes is indispensable. Migrants are not merely beneficiaries of policy, they are rights holders and agents of change whose voices must inform the design, implementation and evaluation of migration governance. The commitment undertaken through the Global Compact provide a comprehensive framework. The task before us is to translate them into concrete and measurable progress through strengthening international cooperation, sustained political will and investment. An inclusive rights based system implemented in good faith and guided by The Compact's core principles let us reaffirm today that protecting the human rights of all migrants, advancing non discrimination, ensuring access to information and strengthening evidence based public policymaking are essential to achieving the objectives of this roundtable and to building inclusive, resilient and just societies. Thank you very much for your kind attention.

I thank Mr. Madi. We will now hear presentations from our distinguished panelists and it's a real pleasure to welcome you. Ms. Ayla Bonfiglio, Regional Head of the Mixed Migration center for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr. Edgar Kozo, independent Expert of the Committee on Migrant Workers and Ms. Paula Seiment, Women in Migration Network. Before we begin the discussion, I would like to remind delegations that there is no pre established list of speakers. Delegations wishing to take the floor after the presentations by panelists are invited to press the microphone button. From now, those speaking on behalf of a group should approach the Secretariat in order to be given priority in the speaking order. In order to allow maximum participation by all, members are requested to limit their interventions to 5 minutes when speaking on behalf of a group and 3 minutes when speaking in national capacity. Time limits will be strictly enforced through an automatic microphone cutoff. To assist speakers with time management, a timer will be projected on the screens. I thank you for your cooperation. To maximize the time available to us, I would ask all panellists to observe the agreed time limit of four minutes. And I will now give the floor to Ms. Ayla Monfilio, Regional Head of the MICS Migration Centre for Eastern Southern Africa.

Gracias.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak speak at this very important roundtable and amidst these distinguished panelists. I represent the Mixed Migration Center, a knowledge center of the Danish Refugee Council which is dedicated to generating data and conducting research to inform mixed migration programming and policy. What I have truly appreciated over these past few days has been the fact that over and again, member states, UN agencies and organizations have underscored the importance of evidence based programming. Indeed, the progress declaration makes 12 unique references to data and evidence and this is to be commended. That being said, we still have ground to make up both in how we conceptualize and prioritize migration data and in how we use it to make decisions. When examining the indicators underpinning Objective one, there is nearly an exclusive focus on migration statistics and censuses. While important, these official data sources often miss populations most at risk. As noted in the background document, people in irregular situations, those on dangerous routes and victims of trafficking. These are people rendered invisible in official statistics and they're the people the GCM was designed to protect. What is also missing is the recognition of and support for data and research generated by migrants themselves and by civil society, and the acknowledgement that there is an entire ecosystem of migration data and research that must be harnessed to design and strengthen effective migration policies and responses. It is precisely the data generated by migrants and by civil society that provides us a vital window into the experiences, the aspirations, the decision making, and the vulnerabilities of people on the move. And it is often obtained in remote and hard to reach locations by most actors. So we would call on member states to formally recognize and support these critical data sources. As a core part of our work, MMC has developed and hosts one of the largest data sets on mixed migration globally. And we've collected more than 100,000 surveys with people on the move. And in most countries, we work directly with migrants and and with refugees. In the collection of this data, they demonstrate an unequivocal picture of vulnerability of people on the move. So one in every 12 of those hundred thousand migrants that we've interviewed has witnessed death along their journey, and one in six has experienced detention, death, and grave abuses such as kidnapping, trafficking, sexual violence, physical violence were reported on every continent and on every migration route, with women being disproportionately impacted by sexual violence. And out of 30,000 migrants who had been traveling with children in their care, more than one third of them perceived kidnapping as a major risk for children. And our data shows that restrictive migration responses and deterrence measures do not reduce vulnerabilities. They deepen them by pushing people onto more dangerous routes, making them more reliant on their smugglers, and making them more reluctant to seek help and report the abuses they face. But data is not an end in itself. Its value lies in what it enables. And so it is critical to not only track the availability of migration data, but its actual impact. And by this, I mean whether Member states, agencies and organizations tasked with protecting people on the move are using data to inform migration policies and responses. And how this must be our goal, as it's the difference between a purely academic exercise and data for positive change. I want to close by touching upon Objective 7. On Monday, I had the pleasure of attending a side event on human rights, and one of the honorable Member states on the panel said we must defend data and facts in the design of global policies and encountering misinformation and disinformation. Well, it's a fact that deterrence measures, while they can have wide popular appeal, do little to influence the drivers of migration. And it's also a fact that we're increasingly seeing a conflation between asylum and irregular migration, which is undermining the protection space for all people on the move. To borrow again from discussions at this forum, the way forward for all of us lies in the nexus between rights, evidence and cooperation. Thank you very much.

Gracias, Senor Abo.

Thank you very much, Ms. Bonfiglio. I'll now give the floor to Mr. Edgar Corzo, independent expert of the Committee on Migrant Workers.

I thank all of the organizing bodies of this second International Migration Review Forum. I thank the President of the General assembly and Lena Birbbock and the United Nations Network for Migration. I thank you for the invitation. So I'm representing the committee of which I am a part, and we are focused on the content of Objective 17, which consists of eliminating all forms of discrimination and promoting public discourse with an empirical basis in order to change perceptions of migration. I'd like to point out at the outset that since the declaration of progress of the Global Compact in 2022, we have found that there are growing indications of racist and xenophobic actions and all of the many forms of multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination against migrants, generating negative perceptions about migrants and associating them wrongly with diseases and criminal activities and making them victims of violent. States at that time committed to eliminating all of this by formulating legislation and relevant policies and practices and promoting public discourse, bearing in mind the role that migrants have as agents of sustainable development and rights holders. Unfortunately, four years on, the Panorama continues to be very much the same. Very little, hardly anything at all, has been done, given the scale of the problem. In light of this rather devastating outlook, what can the human rights bodies, the Committee against Racial Discrimination, the Committee for the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families. The end of Last year, in December 2025, we approved two general joint general observations about the eradication of xenophobia against migrants and other persons perceived as such. These instruments provide directism guidance to States parties and to all stakeholders in order to prevent and eradicate xenophobia and its repercussions on human rights. We'd like to highlight that the Secretary General of the United nations, in his report on the Global Compact for Safe Regular Ordering Migration, February of this year, said that the Global Compact, together with the guidance provided by the Committee for the Eradication of Xenophobia, provided a powerful tool in the promotion of discourse and the formulation of policies on migration that are based on empirical data and rights. And today we are here to make this statement from the sg, our own adding the observations. This allows us to point out this bridge between the Global Compact and the guidance from the Committee should be reflected in the Declaration of Progress. And on the basis of this, we can build a comprehensive policy model that effectively tackles xenophobia and its repercussions on human human rights. Together, thanks to the support of the Network on Migration and other United nations entities, the work is almost complete. It's almost done. We just need to give it the final push. And so it's essential for the Declaration of progress from this second international review forum, as in the version of 26 April, go beyond this draft wording, which seeks to be limited to just repeating what we said in 2022. Thank you.

Gracias, senor.

Thank you very much, Mr. Corso. I'll now give the floor to Ms. Paula Simon, Women in Migration Network Chairs,

Excellencies and colleagues, we gather for this second International Migration Review Forum at a critical crossroads for global migration governance. The landscape of human mobility has evolved rapidly since we last met in 2022, shaped by escalating climate pressures, prolonged conflicts and shifting political dynamics that have deepened inequalities across the globe. In this high stakes environment, it is imperative that our collective commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, orderly and regular Migration remains firm, particularly regarding its core gender responsiveness guiding principle. The Global Compact marked a historic shift by embedding gender responsiveness not as a secondary consideration, but as a fundamental pillar for the implementation of all 23 objectives. However, despite these high level commitments, the current moment is defined by a significant and dangerous backlash. We are witnessing a systematic backsliding where gender equality and women's human rights are being deprioritized or actively undermined. This regression is not merely rhetorical. It's a structural assault that threatens to dismantle the very infrastructure designed to protect women and gender diverse migrants. Reflecting on our collective achievements, several structures milestones stand out. First, the institutionalization of gender expertise within the UN Network on Migration has been transformative. The creation of the anti discrimination work stream followed by the inclusion of a gender subgroup on the Roundtable 4 work stream, which includes civil society, academia and UN agencies, has provided a vital collaborative space space. Second, the inclusion of gender responsive measures within the Global Compact indicator limited set of indicators allows monitoring frameworks to become more rigorous. Fourth, we achieved the official appointment of Agenda rapporteur for this 2026 forum. This role, endorsed by the UN Network on Migration and Support supported by UN Women, formalizes the essential oversight needed to ensure that gender considerations are woven into all deliberations and are not sidelining during high level negotiations. Fifth, the mobilization of an informal gender network of countries has emerged as a strategic necessity. This network showcases multilateral cooperation and progress, acting as a collaborative front to protect the gender responsiveness principle in both language and implementation. These advancements would not have been possible without the committed and persistent participation of civil society. By bringing the lived realities of migrant women and gender diverse migrants to the center of global policy, we ensure that that these frameworks remain relevant, accountable and grounded in the actual needs of those we work with. However, as we take stock today, we must also be direct about the challenges ahead. Despite the robust infrastructure we have built, we are witnessing a deeply concerning trend of systematic backsliding in several regions. The very language of inclusion is being retracted from official statements and policy documents. Mounting budget cuts are straining the capacity of organizations that provide essential support to women and gender diverse migrants. We must recognize that shying away from these commitments does not make my migration more manageable. It only makes it more precarious. When gender responsive protections are eroded, the risk of labor exploitation, gender based violence and human rights violation increase exponentially. Regarding the Progress Declaration, we must be clear about our red lines. While we recognize that sovereignty, we emphasize that the administrative distinction between regular and irregular status must never serve as a justification for the derogation of fundamental rights for migrant women and gender diverse persons. This distinction often translates into rights free zones where fear of deportation prevents access to life saving health care, justice for gender based violence and protection from labor exploitation. Sovereign jurisdiction is legally bounded by international human rights law and human dignity cannot be tired based on documentation. Strengthening the structural resilience of our current framework is therefore not an option. It is a necessity for the integrity of the Global Compact itself. We urge Member States and and UN agencies to show leadership by moving beyond rhetoric and taking intentional actions to safeguard the progress we have made to hold the line and move forward, we propose the following concrete Bolster institutional leadership. We call for the establishment of a UN Special Advisor to the Secretary General on Gender Equality and the Global Compact for Migration to ensure high level sustained focus of these issues. Also enhance regional cooperation. We encourage the establishment of member State regional gender leads to facilitate the exchange of best practices and address the specific contextual challenges faced by women in different migration corridors. Strengthen financial incentives. We must implement further monetary incentives tied to the Multi Partner Trust Fund gender marker to ensure that gender responsive programming is the standard, not the exception. Finally, guarantee meaningful participation. We must ensure that civil society, including those migrant women and gender diverse migrants with lived experience continues to have a central and permanent seat at the table in all future review forums. We are currently at a critical juncture where the risk of losing ground is very real. While we acknowledge the regressions we face, we also see the enduring strengths of the infrastructure we have created together. We must act decisively now to ensure the 2018 milestone remains a living promise of safety and dignity for every person on the move. There is too much on the line to allow our collective resolve to weaken. Let us leave this forum not just with a declaration of intent, but with a renewed commitment to hold the line and advance the rights of all migrants, regardless of gender or status. Thank you.

Gracias, Senora Simon.

Thank you very much, Ms. Simons. I thank our panelists and we will now hear questions from comments from the floor. Time is limited to five minutes when speaking on behalf of a group and three in national capacity. There will be a timer projected on the screen to help you manage your time and delegates may also submit their full length statements to the Secretariat to estatementsn.org Texts of statements submitted will be posted on estatements in the United Nations Journal and on the website of the Forum. Thank you for your cooperation. And so I now give the floor to the distinguished Representative of the Republic of Korea. After that, we hear from Tajikistan and then Barbados.

Thank you, Chair the Republic of Korea Government has laid a policy foundation for implementing the Global Compact Force migration through the first Master Plan for Immigration Policy from 2023-27. On Objective 1, the Korean government annually analyzes and disseminates statistical data on thematic areas such as population, crime and income, as well as statistics from member countries of international organizations. These data are made publicly available through official websites. The Migration Research and Training center, established under an agreement between the Republic of Korea and the iom, annually publishes migration policy papers that contribute to the development of migration policies and operates education and training programs for migrants. In addition, the Republic of Korea has established the Integrated Administrative Information Platform for Foreign Nationals, which provides a fundamental foundation for the development and implementation of data based policies on objective 23. The Republic of Korea continues to strengthen international cooperation through active participation in multilateral platform, regional process and consultative mechanisms including iom, unhcr, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, BALI Process and intergovernmental consultations on migration. On this occasion, we would like to emphasize that international cooperation is particularly essential in combating trafficking in persons. Recent development shows a significant and sustained rise in the misuse of technologies, including AI, to facilitate trafficking in persons at every stage. We believe that severity of this issue has not yet been fully recognized by the international community. In this context, the Republic of Korea government has been actively engaging to address the transnational impacts of technology facilitated trafficking in persons, including online scam operations in the region. Together with Interpol, UNODC and ASEANOPOL as well as 15 partner countries, the Republic of Korea hosted a global operation meeting in Seoul in November last year to strengthen cooperation on clamping down on trends transnational scams. In New York as well, we reaffirmed our commitment to jointly address this important matter by issuing a Joint Statement on Combating technology facilitated Trafficking in persons with 43 countries last year. We will sustain these efforts going forward. The Republic of Korea government will continue to uphold the GCM as a central framework for international migration cooperation and continue our efforts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea. We will now hear from the representative of Tajikistan to be followed by Barbados, Ghana and Germany.

Microphone for Tajikistan, please. Today, migration is not just the movement of people. It is a key factor for sustainable development and the labor market for the future and an indicator of effective cooperation. Our policy is based on our long term policy. We have strategic documents adopted, including a National development strategy for 2030 and a strategy for regulating migration process to 2040. These establish a basis for the state policy in this area. We consistently implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the principles into our national legislation. One of our priorities is to diversify labor migration. We work with new labor markets including the Republic of Korea, Germany, the uae, the UK among others. At the same time, we're developing vocational training, language training and literacy because the current labour migrant is a qualified informed specialist. Distinguished colleagues, the world is changing under the influence of technology, climate and demography. The migration policies must change alongside them. Our aim is to make migration safe, governed and mutually beneficial. Tajikistan is open to partnership and open to finding joint solutions. In conclusion, I'd like to underscore that migration is not a problem that needs to be restrained, but an opportunity that needs to be properly managed. Thank you very much. Indeed,

I thank the distinguished representative of Tajikistan. I'll now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Barbara, Barbados, to be followed by Ghana, Germany and. Well, that'll do for now.

Barbados has strengthened migration data collection within the Caribbean Community and the Caribbean Community of statistical services of laws, demographics, labor market integration and remittances. We view this from the lens of a small island developing state and every objective must be pursued through a since lens because one size does not fit all wildernesses engaged the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social affairs to close persistent data gaps in small island developing States on irregular migration, migrant health and diaspora contributions. We have felt the importance of this policy built on evidence and not assumptions, ensuring that no migrant is invisible. On Objective 3, which provides for information at all stages, we have sought to protect the legal pathways, the rights and services clearly communicated to outbound Barbadians and to incoming nationals under the Caribbean Community Full Freedom of Movement Arrangement. Complaint forms are available at all ports of entry and the CARICOM Complaints procedure delivers structured rights information to all migrants entering Barbados. There's also facilities for the multilingual digitally accessible platforms that are tailored to the realities of small island developing States. The impact Every migrant is informed at every stage in in their own language on Objective 7 in terms of reducing vulnerabilities. The Trafficking of Persons Prevention act of 2016 criminalizes sex and labor trafficking with penalties up to 25 years imprisonment and penalties for safe havens, restitution and medical care are mandated by law. There is a dedicated Sex Crimes and Traffic Trafficking Unit operating within the Barbados Police Service guided by our National Action Plan built on prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. The Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security and the Advanced Passenger Information Systems are developed for pre arrival screening at all borders. Climate Responsive frameworks are being advanced for small island developing States. The impact vulnerable migrants, women, children and trafficking victims. Climate displaced victims are all seen protected and supported in relation to objective 17 non discrimination and public discourse, public education, media engagement and community dialogue. Actively counter xenophobia and harmful stereotypes. Recognizing the economic, cultural and social constitution.

I thank the distinguished representative of Barbados. Now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana to be followed by Germany and.

Ghana.

Thank you Madam Chair. Ghana as a championed country for global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration has achieved significant milestone over the period by developing appropriate structures, policies and other legal frameworks to ensure the effective implementation of the Global Compact for Migration using a whole of government and a whole of society approach. Some of the key structural achievements include a national coordination mechanism and a national implementation plan for the GCM for Ghana with six priority areas for the States. Giving this roundtable discussion focuses on objectives 1, 3, 7, 17 and 23 and examines how Ghana, a champion country, is progressively implementing them through its active programs to ensure effective migration governance which Objective 1 collection disintegrated data disaggregated data sorry as a basis for evidence based policies in terms of regular and irregular migration flow and here we do this closely with UNHCR with their data system. Their Progress with Objective 3, information provision for migrants, as well as giving them access to information required for them to make a decision, decreases the vulnerability associated with migrants, hence increasing their protection. And here we use our national data system, the national identification, to register them, just as we do with all our citizens and foreigners stay in our country. And here again we do this with UNHCR with Objective 7 in terms of managing and reducing the vulnerability and their protection. Ghana is in the advanced state of developing a national framework to ensure identification, referral and protection of migrants and in vulnerable situations. With Objective 17, I would like to appeal to all GCM champions, countries and advocates to eliminate all forms of discrimination against migrants, including racism, stigmatization, xenophobia and hate speeches, and rather focuses on the contribution migrants make in our communities and society while we strengthen partnership cooperation as Member States to collectively align with this goal of safe, orderly and regular migration for all. Thank you so much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana. Now we'll hear from Germany, followed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and then Migration, Youth and Children platform to be followed by Cote d' Ivoire

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. My name is Rania Kinfel, Chairwoman of the Ethiopian Diaspora Women Association Edwa. I am honored to be here today as part of the German government delegation representing Diaspora civil society and bringing in diaspora perspective. I would like to acknowledge that many civil society actors and stakeholders are not able to be in this room today. Whether due to the visa constraints or limited spaces of participation, we fall short of the whole of the society principle of the Global Compact of Migration. When those who have worked hard to ensure their voices and heard are unable to be present, this raises serious question about how inclusive our migration governance governance processes truly are. If those who contribute to shape migration policies are unable to participate due to administrative and structural barriers, we must ask whether our systems are aligned with our principles. With regard to objectives 7 and 17, it is important to recognize that insecurity often begins long before migration itself. Fear, exclusion, discrimination and increasingly hostile public discourse deeply affects communities and undermines social cohesion. From our work with diaspora communities, particularly women with intersectional migration experiences, we see how uncertainty and stigmatization directly impact participation, belonging and trust in institutions. This is increasingly affecting young people and second generation migrants with significant psychological and social consequences for communities. On Objective 3, access to accurate information remains essential. In our cases, diaspora organizations have become trusted spaces for guidance, awareness raising and community support, particularly where misinformation and fear are Widespread on Objective 23 Strengthening international cooperation we know that the state sustainable migration governance requires coordinated and long term approaches. Coordination between countries of origin, destination countries, diaspora structures, civil society and development partners is essential. We see promising approaches through institutions such as Ethiopian Diaspora Service and the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President in Ghana, working alongside partners such as giz representing German development cooperation. This model highlights the importance of institutionalized diaspora engagement and demonstrate how structured cooperation can connect diaspora contributions with national development priorities. While such approaches are promising, we see through exchanges with other civil society organizations that this level of coordination is often missing. Globally limited in ability and civil society to.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. We'll now hear from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to be followed by Migration, Youth and Children Platform, then Cote d' Ivoire and then Azerbaijan.

Thank you Chair the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomes today's discussion and is present pleased to have supported the preparation of this roundtable together with UN DESA and partners of the UN Migration Network. And we thank Bangladesh and Spain for chairing today's discussion. While progress has been made, migrants continue to face situations of vulnerability at all stages of migration, often created or exacerbated by laws, policies and practices that fall short of a human rights based approach. Allow me to highlight three selected recommendations to advance implementation of Objective 7 and and 17 in line with the GCM guiding principles. First, we must strengthen the identification of migrants in vulnerable situations. This requires effective screening and referral mechanisms along strong independent human rights monitoring to identify systemic causes and recurring patterns of vulnerability. In line with our 2022 IMRF pledges, OCHR has supported the development of regional guidance and practical tools on vulnerability identification, including through the Regional Conference on Migration and in the context of the EU screening system. OCHR has also worked to strengthen human rights monitoring capacities of national human rights institutions and civil society organizations in West Africa, Central America and the Asia Pacific. Second, as recognized in GCM Objective 7, Regularization and Family unity are essential to prevent and address vulnerabilities. To support related efforts, OSHR has developed analytical guidance on how to leverage regular migration pathways for human rights, identifying promising practices and practical ways forward. And tonight, together with partners, we're launching the GCM Family Unity Initiative, a multi stakeholder effort to advance family centered migration pathways. We invite Member States and stakeholders to join us at the launch and to support this initiative moving forward, including through concrete pledges from oichr. We pledge to drive this initiative over the coming four years, working with partners to translate commitments on family unity into tangible action. And third, we must counter dehumanizing and harmful narratives on migration. Such narratives fuel discrimination, xenophobia and exclusion while undermining social cohesion. Through initiatives such as Stand up for Migrants campaign and ongoing efforts within the Human Rights Council, OCHR remains committed to promoting human rights based migration narratives. We also encourage the implementation of the CMW CERT Joint General Comment on eliminating Xenophobia against migrants. OCHR stands ready to enhance partnership to advance these and other efforts towards human rights based implementation of the Global Compact for Migration and its guiding process principles. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. And now we'll hear from the Migration, Youth and Children Platform, then Cote d', Ivoire, then Azerbaijan and then Mauritania.

Microphone for Migration Youth and Children platform, please.

Just a moment. So let's hear first from Migration, Youth and Children Platform.

So we are an important country and so this is why we need a renewed approach based on solidarity and human dignity. Ladies and gentlemen, my country has changed its system in order to have better aggregated data. And this reform is reflected by strengthening our institutional architecture on migration. So we have a clear mission to make Cote d' Ivoire a key stakeholder. We are seeking to take care of reintegration and we have a social network program in particular throughout our country to assist people regarding combating discrimination. Cote d' Ivoire has bolted its legislation in order to guarantee protection for migrants. Over and beyond awareness raising campaigns, we are trying to present positive images to the population. We want to promote ideas of shared responsibility to ensure that there is sure, safe, orderly and regular migration. On migration governance indicators, we've set these indicators up so that we can establish what progress has been made. In conclusion, Cote d' Ivoire reiterates its commitment to the Global Compact on Migration. We remain convinced that only a concerted, inclusive approach will enable us to transform migration into an important opportunity for all. I thank you.

Thank you, representative of Cote d'. Ivoire. And now we are going to hear from Migration, Youth and Children Platform and then Azerbaijan, Mauritania and Malawi.

Thank you, Chair. My name is Noor Hassan. I speak on behalf of the Migration, Youth and Children Platform and as a migrant youth myself. Too often young migrants are spoken about in spaces like this, as data points, as risks or as beneficiaries of policy. Today we speak as partners in shaping the solutions. Because inadequate data, discrimination and gaps in cooperation are not abstract. They shape our access to protection, opportunity and belonging every day. On Objective 1, young migrants remain largely invisible in the data that informs policy. There is a lack of disaggregated data by age, gender, migration status and disability which obscures our lived realities and limits effective and targeted policy. Reporting is also inconsistent and and accountability remains weak. But young people are not waiting to be counted. NYCP is already working with UNICEF and the International Data alliance for Children on the move to strengthen more inclusive data systems through our Youth Committee on Migration and Displacement Data and generating data that is missed by formal systems. But we must do more. We need standardized disaggregated data on migrant youth in national statistical systems and youth generated evidence must be recognized and integrated. Informal policymaking on Objective 17 discrimination shapes young migrants lives across schools, workplaces, borders and access to services, compounded by intersecting inequalities in gender identity, age, race, disability and migration status. Public narratives also shape policy. When driven by disinformation and misinformation, they reinforce stigma and justify exclusion. Young people are actively challenging this through advocacy and storytelling to promote more accurate human centered narratives on migration, but this must be matched by action. Efforts like the GFMD Working Group on Public Narratives championed by Canada and Ecuador are important steps towards countering misinformation. Non discrimination must be operationalized through intersectoral and gender responsive policies and sustained investment in evidence based communication. On objective 23 international cooperation often remains disconnected from the lived experiences of young people. Youth perspectives are still included late, inconsistently or symbolically limiting the effectiveness of global commitments such NYCP and UNICEF's Coalition for Migration and Youth affairs is an example of how young people are already strengthening cooperation. This must move beyond consultation towards partnership among member states and stakeholders alike to truly achieve a whole of government and whole of society approach. This Roundtable does not exist in a vacuum. Its outcomes are reflected every day. So we leave you with three clear Disaggregate data and include youth in shaping and generating it Address discrimination and strengthen cooperation by investing in youth as partners in implementation. I thank you.

I thank the speaker. Next Azerbaijan to be followed by Mauritania and Malawi

Distinguished Co Chairs, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Republic Azerbaijan, as current Co Chair of the Champion Countries Initiative, highly values the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion under Roundtable 4 of the IMRF. The objectives discussed today are deeply interconnected and together determine whether migration governance becomes truly human centered, effective and sustainable. Azerbaijan believes that effective migration governance must be built on reliable data accessible services, inclusive policies and strong partnerships. In recent years we have significantly enhanced our central database for migration management and reinforced institutional coordination to improve migration data collection and analysis in Parallel publication of Migration Country Profile provides a comprehensive evidence base for policymaking regionally. Under our chairmanship of the Almaty Process, we facilitated discussions on a roadmap for a digital data platform which aims to reinforcing systematic data exchange and regional solidarity. We also attach particular importance to ensuring access to accurate and timely migration information at all stages of migration. Azerbaijan has digitalized all possible migration related public services and currently provides 26 electronic migration services through multilingual online platforms, a 24,7 call center operating in three languages, ASAN service centers, mobile migration services and highly skilled migrant portal. We continue making migration governance more transparent, accessible and user oriented. Reducing vulnerabilities and promoting inclusive societies remain among Azerbaijan's key priorities. We have strengthened protection mechanisms for vulnerable migrants, particularly unaccompanied migrant children, while continuing to advance child sensitive and gender responsive approaches. At the same time, initiatives such as the Advisory Council, Public Council, Migrant Council and Migration Volunteers which ensure the active participation of business sectors, civil society migrants and the youth in migration management, contribute to strengthening dialogue, combating discrimination and fostering social cohesion. International cooperation remains at the heart of effective migration governance. Azerbaijan continues to actively promote the implementation of the GCM at all levels as a champion country, a former Chair of the Almaty Process and upcoming host of World Urban Forum in Baku. Through platforms such as the Regional Training center on Migration, jointly established with the IOM and recognized as a common training platform of the Almaty Process, Azerbaijan actively contributes to awareness raising, capacity building and regional dialogue on GCM implementation, helping translate global commitments into practical action and stronger regional ownership, I think. Thank you.

Gracias Disting.

I thank the distinguished representative of Aeran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania, to be followed by Malawi and then the UAE and then desa.

Thank you Madam Chair. I would like to thank all the panelists on behalf of my delegation. First and foremost I'd like to thank you very much for convening this global discussion on a question that is very important for all of us, namely migration governance and international cooperation regarding this particular phenomenon. It is a pleasure for me at the outset set and before I highlight the efforts of my country in this area to congratulate all of the previous speakers, the representatives of member states and international organizations, civil society and partners and stakeholders too. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania has adopted a number of measures as part of our national migration strategy between 2021 and 2030 and also the Plan of Action to implement that strategy. These measures are in line with the Global Compact, Indeed our National Migration strategy is based on three pillars, namely migration management, development and the strengthening of rights of migrants and refugees and management of migration flows. We've adopted a number of measures, we've regularized migrants by granting them the possibility of residency and as part of international cooperation, we're working with our partners and in particular with the IOM to implement our strategy here. We've adopted a number of measures, namely the establishment of a National Migration Governance Commission at the university level. We set up within Nouakshok University a Masters on Migration and more recently both regionally and internationally. Recently we have established bilateral cooperation and multinational cooperation ties in this area to strengthen our national sovereignty, to guarantee safety and security for our citizens and our residents as well. And this is a true commitment. As you know, Mauritanians are open, welcoming and this is going to continue. I thank you.

Gracias Istinger Presidente Mauritania I thank the distinguished representative of Mauritania. We'll now hear from the distinguished representative of Malawi to be followed by the United Arab Emirates and then the Department for Economic and Social Affairs

Co Chairs, distinguished colleagues. Malawi appreciates the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion which deals with objectives 1, 3, 7, 17 and 23 of the global Compact for Migration. We recognize the importance of evidence based policy making in our migration governance framework between IMRF 1 and 2. We have noted operational challenges that concentrate effective implementation of the Compact in relation to this roundtable. The main challenge is limited, disaggregated and fragmented data. This has resulted in a problem of data sharing by agencies involved in migration governance with data silos observed during the early years of championing the gcm. With IOM support we have developed a Migration Data Dashboard at the National Statistical Office. The dashboard disaggregates data by age, sex and origin for over 50,000 cross border movements tracked annually. The Parliament of Malawi incorporated migration data into its 2025 oversight reports. Civil society inputs through the Migration Workers Forum have enriched qualitative data sets on remittances. We therefore have recommitted to establish an integrated national migration data system linking government institutions and civil society organizations to ensure a whole of government and a whole of society response facilitated by the National Statistical Office. We further commit to be engaged at a regional level in all the necessary planning and implementation including data sharing with country data platforms which will be persuaded which while enforcing the Data Protection act to safeguard privacy. We shall also conduct digital literacy campaigns that flag recruitment, scam and AI driven misinformation using verified channels and local languages. Further, we are promoting policies that ensure non discriminatory access to services such as health and education and progress is being recognized in the management of refugees and asylum seekers. GCM Financing Facility would leverage bilateral labor agreements to support States in translating commitments into visas, skills, recognition, family reunification and reintegration, ensuring pathways are tangible for rural youth and women. Malawi stands ready to work with partners at regional and global levels to advance this agenda and we welcome continued technical support and knowledge exchange.

Gracias Disting I thank the distinguished Representative. I now give the floor to the UAE to be followed by desa.

Thank you Madam Chair, Excellencies, Good morning. The United Arab Emirates approaches migration governance with a clear principle. Reducing vulnerabilities and eliminating discrimination must begin with prevention grounded in data transparency and accountability. At the foundation of this approach is a strong legal framework. The UAE has criminalized hatred and extremism under the Federal Decree Law Number 34 of 2023, prohibiting discrimination, hate speech and incitement. This is reinforced by the UAE Labor Law which explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or original or social origin or disability, particularly where it affects equal opportunity of employment or access to benefits. Excellencies as migration patterns evolve, our focus has shifted toward anticipating risk before it materializes rather than reacting after harm occurs. This is where data plays a central role. The UAE has developed AI enabled risk based smart inspection system that prioritize high risk cases using predictive indicators such as wage delays or complaint patterns. These systems are complemented by the Wage protection system which today covers around 99% of the private sector workers with monthly wage transfers exceeding 35 billion UA Dirhams, providing real time visibility and that strengthen compliance and safeguard worker rights. This level of transparency is critical. When workers are protected, paid fairly and treated equally, they are better able to participate fully in society and contribute to both host and home economies. In this context, the UAE remains one of the world's largest outward remitting countries with remittances reaching to around Dh147.8 billion in 2024, a reflection of inclusive systems that enable safe and meaningful economic participation. At the same time, we recognize that access to information is the first line of protection against vulnerability and exploitation. Migrant workers must be equipped with clear, accessible and reliable information at every stage of their journey. In this regard, the UAE delivers a mandatory awareness programs in 17 languages ensuring that workers understand their rights, responsibilities and available support mechanisms. These efforts are are supported by digital platforms that enhance transparency and reduce exposure to misinformation and irregular practices. Importantly, these efforts are reinforced through international cooperation through platforms such as the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, the UAE continues to advance in collaboration between labor, sending and receiving countries, aligning policies and promoting shared responsibility. Our experience demonstrates that eliminating discrimination and reducing vulnerabilities requires an integrated system where law, data and information partnerships work to.

Gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of the uae. We'll now hear from DESA to be followed by the UN Network Roundtable for Subgroup and then Uganda

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, it is a pleasure to join you today to reflect on the progress made in advancing objectives 1, 3, 7, 17 and 23 of the global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. For my organization, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social affairs, it has been a privilege to co lead the work stream on Roundtable 4 within the United Nations Nations Network on Migration. Together with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, we extend our sincere appreciation to all participants in that work stream, including UN partners and stakeholders, for their active engagement, close collaboration and steadfast commitment. Ladies and gentlemen, migration is a defining feature of our world. Yet public discussions of migration are too often shaped by misinformation and harmful narratives. Without accurate, timely and accessible data, it becomes all too easy for fear and fiction to replace facts and fairness. But we are seeing encouraging progress. Many countries are making investments to improve data collection, to strengthen institutional coordination, and to align national frameworks with international standards. The proposed limited set of indicators to track progress in implementing the Global Compact, whose development was co led by DESA and the International Organization for Migration, is helping to translate commitments into measurable outcomes. The endorsement by the United Nations Statistical Commission of the revised United Nations Recommendations on Statistics of International Migration and Temporary Mobility provides an important framework to support improvements in the international comparability of data. However, despite this progress, important gaps remain. In some contexts, surveys and censuses do not include specific questions on migration or migrants. In addition in addition, limited availability of data disaggregated by migration status continues to mask critical disparities affecting migrants, particularly women and children. Closing these gaps is essential. In this regard, I'm pleased to announce that DESA is pledging to further strengthen our support of Member States in building your capacities to produce and analyze migration data and statistics and to use the information effectively for policy formulation. Excellencies in today's world, strengthening migration data systems is not merely a technical exercise, it is a strategic priority. With better data and better policies, migration will more effectively contribute to sustainable development for all.

Gracias Distinguida Representante continuation I thank the distinguished representative. Next we'll hear from the UN Network, then Uganda, then the DRC Excellencies.

Colleagues in my capacity as IMRF Gender

Rapporteur, I've supported the United Nations Network

of Migration and its Roundtable four work

stream in advancing gender responsive migration governance

throughout the IMRF preparatory process.

This has included contributing to coordinating messaging across stakeholders, analyzing gender references in national GCM reports submitted by Member States to this forum, and working to amplify gender

equality considerations across IMRF discussions, including discussions of other roundtables beyond Roundtable four and gender focused spaces.

Importantly, this is the first time that

a dedicated IMRF Gender Rapporteur function has

been established within the network. This reflects a growing recognition that gender equality requires dedicated attention, coordination and sustained follow up to be effectively integrated into migration governance processes. The experience has demonstrated the added value of this role in strengthening coherence across discussions, supporting visibility of gender issues and

contributing to more consistent and evidence based policies.

Engagement A key complementary effort was also established, the Informal Gender Network, which is an informal coordination space for interested Member

States and convened three times in preparation of this forum.

This has enabled exchange between Member States, UN entities and partners on key issues

related to gender equality, alignment around key

messages, and identification of practical approaches to

strengthen gender responsive migration governance Excellencies in

this regard, the analysis of national GCM reviews submitted to this forum provides very important insights. 60% of reports refer somehow to some extent to gender equality or migrant women or sex disaggregated data. Yet in most cases references remain incidental or descriptive rather than analytical and transformative. Only one report mentioned gender diverse migrants. Moreover, 75% of the reports include references to violence related issues indicating that gender continues to be primarily framed through vulnerability and protection angles. At the same time, there are positive

developments such as references to gender responsive

services, support to women's economic participation and initial steps toward enhanced sex to disaggregated data, but however, these efforts remain uneven and not systemic. As we move forward, three priorities are particularly important. First, to translate existing commitments into implementation,

including through gender responsive policies, programs and data systems.

The Migration Network has developed guiding and practical tools to support Member States in this regard.

Second, to move beyond protection only approaches

and ensure that migration governance reflects women and gender diverse migrants.

Agency Economic.

I thank the representative of UN Network Roundtable 4 subgroup and now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda, to be followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and then Iraq.

Uganda. Excellencies Uganda is honored to address this forum. We come as a country of origin, transit destination and Host More than 2 million refugees for US migration is not abstract. It is the daily reality of our people and our neighbors. Since the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration, Uganda has moved from commitment to implementation. We have built institutions. Uganda has adopted National GCM Implementation Plan for 24 up 28. In 2025, we launched a comprehensive national migration policy. We established an interministerial technical committee to ensure whole of government and whole of society delivery. We are protecting rights while managing borders. We have acceded to both the UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol and the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol. We are strengthening integrated border management that is protection sensitive. We insist that detention must be a last resort and alternatives must be right based. We are investing in people Remittances to Uganda exceeded US dollars 1.4 billion last year. We are finalizing a national diaspora policy to map skills to enable investment and secure next generation of diaspora engagement. We are also negotiating bilateral labor agreements to ensure safety recruitment especially for our workers in the Gulf. Madam President, Uganda brings two clear priorities to this forum. 1. Invest in inclusive crisis resilient legal identity systems. 2. Scale up sustainable community based reintegration systems. We recognize gaps that gaps remain missing migrants, human rights at borders and sustainability Sustainable return require stronger route based cooperation. Uganda therefore calls for deeper eager and continental collaboration to advance free movement and shared responsibility. Excellencies Uganda's experience shows that protection centered migration governance is not a burden, but it's a foundation for stability and development. We stand ready to work with all Member States, the UN Network on Migration and the IOM to turn our collective commitments into real outcomes. We thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda. Next we'll hear from the drc to be followed by Iraq and then Uzbekistan.

Madam Chair, Members of the Panel. The DRC has not been on the sidelines of the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration just because we don't have a migration policy that can incorporate all data and stakeholders. But nonetheless we have made progress at the national level regarding various objectives. For your information, our Constitution and the Congolese Law gives all migrants access to education and health care services irrespective of their status. And also under the leadership of our President, we've granted maternity services for free to to all because we are all aware that lives are sacred. The DRC is seeking to make its diaspora a serious lever for socio and economic development. This is why our government validated on 30 January a roadmap to implement recommendations from all meetings and fora of the Congolese diaspora. From that there were six priority areas opted for and they have been adopted by the government. We're talking about institutionalizing in the medium term a High Council of the Diaspora and Congolese Abroad, a Fund for Congolese Diaspora. Alongside these institutional initiatives, we've also adopted a improvement to Consular services by digital data. And the debate on double nationality is currently being discussed to include all of the diaspora. Regarding objective 23 and cooperation, we have cooperation migration agreements with Canada, Switzerland and more recently the UK to readmit Congolese citizens for safe, orderly and regular migration. There are enormous challenges, of course, but they can be overcome. We're open to cooperate with all technical and financial partners, as well as the private sector. These are our expectations from this forum. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the IOM for having facilitated two Conchasa, the repatriate of 10 Congales students who were stuck in Iran after the crisis broke out. We are a country of origin, transit and destination and return at different stages. And I'd like to highlight that. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative next year from Iraq, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

Madam Chair, ladies and gentlemen, Excellencies, distinguished representatives, may peace and compassion be with you. It is my great honor to speak of a number of programs that are in Iraq to govern migration. Iraq is highlighting policies and national legislation regarding migration. Furthermore, we are a pioneering state in terms of implementing the Global Compact for Migration. As regards refugees, we are managing programs for this particular group. There are two aims here. Open new waves for migration, regular migration, that is, and for migrants working in Iraq. And there's another area as well that is to combat. Migrant trafficking. We are combating irregular migration. And this is important to us. My country has adopted a number of pieces of legislation in these migrants are integrated into our society. We're combating irregular migration. We have opened up new pathways. In conjunction with the international community and international organizations, we have adopted an initial national plan for safe and regular migration. We are tackling the root causes of irregular migration. We have new markets in the private sector for those people who wish to come and work in Iraq. We also have initiatives underway to engage young people within my country. Now there is something else, namely the reintegration of migrants abroad and who are coming back to our country to assist these people who are returning to our country. We are helping them to gain new skills and to integrate into our national market. We provide them with training and we are combating xenophobia. I thank you, Matthias.

Thank you very much. Distinguished representative of Iraq. Now Uzbekistan has the floor to be followed by Ukraine and Georgia.

Distinguished delegation. It's a privilege to address this forum not only to discuss the movement of people, but to examine the strategic development of human opportunity. Uzbekistan is a nation known for its demographic vitality, its population almost 40 million. More than 60% of our citizens are under the age of 30. We view this young generation not as a challenge to be managed, but as a significant and sustainable asset that we are meticulously preparing for global market. Our youth are innately proactive, recognizing that the success in modern economy requires global integration. To this end, they are increasingly mastering languages. Our objective is to ensure they enter in the international stage, not just laborers, but as qualified professionals. By aligning labor migration with national growth strategies, we guarantee that every citizen who seeks opportunity abroad is supported by a state framework that prioritizes transparency, safety and human dignity on the state of protection. This vision is operationalized through a fundamental change in our governance architecture. Uzbekistan has moved a fragmented approach to a centralized system under the direct oversight of cabinet of Ministers. This reform allows the migration agency to regulate the entire migration process, providing a continuous chain of support from initial phase to pre departure training through the final return and reintegration of our workers. A primary pillar of this institutional framework is our commitment to ethical licensing and oversight. We have established a high trust model in which 48 licensed private employment agencies operate under strong, strict and transparent government supervision. Since the beginning of 2026, we have enforced rigorous standards to ensure that all organized recruitment is conducted according to the principles of legality and equitable access. This oversight is essential to protecting our citizens from the risk of exploitation and irregular migration. Its economic impact is already demonstrating its effectiveness. In 2025, over 260,000 citizens were employed through the secure state verified channels, contributing to estimated 20 billion in remittances. By facilitating state safe employment, we ensured that these financial flows directly empower families and local communities rather than being diverted by predatory intermediaries. On the professional mastery, we have examples such as. While institutional frameworks provide the necessary.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uzbekistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine, to be followed by UN Women and then International Migrants Bill of Rights Initiative.

Dear distinguished colleagues, One of the main lessons from Ukraine's experience under war is that migration governance is only as strong as the data and system behind it. When millions of people move in a short period of time across region and across border, decisions have to be made quickly. Who needs support, where people are located, what services are required and how to plan for return? Without reliable and connected data, this becomes guesswork. Ukraine had to build this capacity in real time. We now rely on digital registry based system where people submit electronic application information is automatically verified across state database and decisions are made based on administrative data. These systems are linked to payment infrastructure allowing us to deliver support quickly and at scale. We are now we are now extending this approach to humanitarian assistance, working with partners to use national registers and payment system for targeting and delivery. This reduced duplication improves accuracy and creates a bridge between emergency support and long term social protection. At the same time, we face a structural limitation. Data stops at the border for millions of Ukrainians abroad. We do not have systematic visibility, stability of their status, employment situation, access to service or intention regarding return. This makes it harder to design effective policies both for host countries and for Ukraine. This is why the next step in migration governance should be stronger international cooperation on data. We need more practical framework for information exchange between countries on identity verification, legal status, contribution records and basic socioeconomic indicators in a way that is secure, lawful and respect privacy. This is not only a technical issue, it directly affects policy outcomes. Without data exchange, portability of social protection cannot function effectively. Labor market integration is less efficient, Return planning becomes uncertain and people risk falling between system. Ukraine is ready to contribute to this work. We are building digital system and improving registries even during the war, but now. But no country can solve this alone. If we want policies that work in practice, we need system that speaks to each other. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. We will now hear from UN Women to be followed by international migrants, Bit of Rights Initiative and then Georgia.

Thank you Chair. Gender shapes every stage of migration from access to information and conditions in transit to opportunities for decent work. Women make up around half of all migrants globally. They are leaders, workers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, yet deeply entrenched gender inequalities including gender based violence and unequal access to education, resources and social protection continue to shape their migration experiences. Many LGBTI people migration continue to face heightened risks of discrimination, violence and exclusion. Yet safe and regular migration pathways remain out of reach for far too many. In at least 16 countries, women still face legal barriers to traveling or obtaining passports on equal terms with men. Limited access to reliable information further increases reliance on informal networks exposing women to misinformation, exploitation and abuse. UN Women encourages all member states to expand safe and regular pathways that uphold the principles of equality and non discrimination. This includes removing gender specific legal barriers, ensuring equal access to documentation and strengthening family reunification and humanitarian pathways particular for those at risk or of surviving violence. Fair and ethical recruitment must also be central. Migrant women are overrepresented in informal and undervalued sectors, especially domestic and care work, where protections are often weak, yet their contribution is essential. Migrant WOMEN Domestic workers make up at least a quarter of the global care force.

Unregulated recruitment, excessive fees and tight visa

systems heighten the risk of exploitation, forced labor and trafficking. More must be done to strengthen the regulation of recruitment agencies, eliminate recruitment fees and fully implement international labor standards. Migration can be a powerful driver of gender equality and sustainable development, but to do so, migrant women must be able to be participate meaningfully, meaningfully in policy processes, not just be consulted at the margins. This helps ensure that policies reflect lived realities, respond to actual needs and are more effective in practice. Thank you.

Thank you. We'll now hear from the representative the International Migrant Bill of Rights Initiative, to be followed by the distinguished representative of Georgia and then the United Republic of Tanzania.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, Delegates, Civil Society Migrant leader Colleagues I'm Ian Kissel. I'm on the faculty of Cornell University and direct the Migration and Human Rights program. Colleagues in 1980, the then human Rights Commission now Council adopted a study on the question of how international national law protected the rights of all migrants. One important recommendation was a call for a transparent examination of how national law applied international instruments and protected the basic rights of migrants in practice. In other words, after the first quarter century since the adoption of the Universal Declaration, which itself was a migrant rights instrument, keen observers spotted a gap in an opportunity. Understanding how national laws already protect migrants could pave the way for clarity at the level of international law and governance. Since then, of course, Member states have continued to refine and expand the widely ratified set of treaties articulating a basic set of human rights for all migrants. These principles are at the core of the GCM. In the GCM, states also committed in Objective 1 to the collection and use of accurate and disaggregated data. Despite this, there has been little empirical research comparing the rights commitments that that states have made by treaty with the laws that states have put in place at the national level. I want to report some findings from the Migrant Rights Database, a tool I have developed with colleagues to help fill this gap. The database uses 65 indicators that permit the objective cross national accounting of the laws protecting migrant rights as enshrined in the national legal framework. The database covers 45 of the most important destination states and accounts for about 6, 70% of the world's migrant stock. With data from 2020 and 2023 and every major world region, such comparable objective data stands to show how formal domestication of human rights law varies over time, our data show that member states that we studied protected more than 60% of our indicators of rights in their national law. These data also show that formal de jure protections of migrant rights have slightly increased since adoption of the gcm. This is positive news. But in addition to such positive developments, our study of 45 member states hosting 70% of the world's migrants show also need for improvement. We find that about half 26 of the 45 states prohibit discrimination against migrants on the basis of migrant status. We find only 13 states protect the right of all migrants, regardless of status, to access health care. In summary, our research shows that overall member states hosting the vast majority of the world's migrants have domesticated a majority of their international duties in national law. Expanding research and comparable data can help create a race to the top even in uncertain times. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representatives. We are supposed to wrap up by 12 o', clock, so I would like to ask the next speakers to be brief so we can hear from as many people as possible. So we'll hear next from Georgia, then the United Republic of Tanzania.

Excellencies, Dear colleagues, it is a privilege to address this distinguished audience of roundtable on behalf of the Republic of Georgia Public Service Development Agency of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia that serves as a secretariat of the State Commission on Migration Issues. In recent years, Georgia has made significant progress in strengthening its migration governance system through a whole of government approach resulting in coherent nation framework. The State Commission on Migration Issues has been instrumental in this process, evolving from establishing institutional foundations to developing multi sectoral mechanisms and now focusing on consolidating a modern sustainable system aligned with European standards. In this context, international cooperation is essential. Georgia actively engages with partner countries, international organization organizations and regional processes to exchange knowledge, strengthen capacities and address shared migration challenges through dialogue and joint initiatives. Georgia remains firmly committed to the principle of Objective 23 of the Global Compact for Migration, promoting strong partnerships, policy coherence and inclusive whole of government approaches. We believe effective migration governance demand depends on sustained cooperation and mutual trust. At the same time, strong cooperation must be supported by reliable data. The Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact highlight the importance of high quality, timely migration data for evidence based policy making. In this regard, the Public Service Development Agency manages one of the country's most comprehensive migration databases, including the Civil Registry system. A key recent advancement in migration data is the Unified Migration Data Analytical System which integrates data from multiple state institutions to improve analysis and policymaking. Georgia also contributed to international efforts on migration data through co chairing the UN Expert Group and European Migration Data Network Working Group supporting the harmonization and improvement of migration statistics. These efforts reflect Georgia's commitment to strengthen both national system and global cooperation in migration governance. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Georgia. We'll now hear from Time Tanzania, then the Philippines, then Colombia and Indonesia.

Thank you Co Chair, honorable Ministers and the distinguished delegates. Tanzania has strengthened migration data governance through key data generation institutions. Migration is generated through administrative systems such as the Tanzania Immigration Service Management System, National ID System, Civil Registration Verification System, Refugees Registration System and Labor Migration records. Tanzania facilitates LEGRA migration and access to information through African Community Common Market Protocol which promotes free movement of labor services and capital within the region. The Immigration Department has digitalized services including the E Visa System and Biometric E Passport, thus improving access to immigration information and streamlining entry procedures for travelers and migrants. Further, Tanzania has recently deployed Advanced Passengers Information System which will enhance mobility and security. Tanzania has put in place RIGO Institution framework aimed at safeguarding vulnerable migrants. The Anti Trafficking in Person act establishes the RIGO foundation for preventing trafficking, protecting victims and prosecuting offenders. National efforts under these aspects are coordinated by Anti Trafficking Secretariat. In addition, Tanzania has strengthened its referral and cases management approaches to refugees and asylum seekers through establishment of institution mechanism that's called National Eligibility Committee. The Minister for Community Development, Gender and Women Special groups operation interferes between the refugees, immigration and authorities Digital Identification system and broader government digital transformation efforts. Improving identification and trafficking and follow up the vulnerable cases on objective 17 Tanzania Constitution guarantees equality and non discrimination of all persons regardless of the status. Inclusion and the tolerate length of migrants and refugees have been historical facts since independence. Tanzania works closely with the International Partnership to support voluntary return and reintegration, particularly for trafficking in persons and other vulnerable migrants. We actively engage in regional labor mobility discussion within the East African Community for focusing on improving portable and social protections. Tanzania also participates in the Region and Global Migration Dialogue platform including the African Union, sadc East Africa while maintaining strong collaboration United States agencies and development partners. I humbly submit and thank you with much greetings From Her Excellency Dr. Samir, the President of the United Public of Tanzania.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tanzania. Next Philippines, Colombia, Indonesia, then India.

Your Excellencies, allow me to share two important matters that became prominent during the Multi stakeholder consultation led by the Government, the Philippines and the CSOs in line with the Philippine Voluntary National Review. 1. Migration has to be gender sensitive and gender responsive as we move to meet the objective in eliminating discrimination and 2. International cooperation remains A crucial component for effective and efficient migration governance. As to the first, women make up half of the migration population in the Philippine context. The 2024 Survey on Overseas Filipino reveals that women make up 55%, with most being in elementary jobs and in professional capacities in the care sector. By instituting a ministry devoted to take care of our migrant workers, the Philippines ensures that its programs and policies promote human rights, reduces exploitation and empowers migrants to avoid gender bias and discrimination. We need to eliminate and replace discriminatory barriers that disproportionately affect women migrant workers with policies that address their unique conditions, empower them through upskilling or livelihood programs. On international cooperation we believe that it remains a crucial component for effective and efficient migration governance. The Philippines continue to take the lead and has recognized the importance of international cooperation on labor migration. As of 31 December 2025, a total of 72 bilateral labor instruments had been assigned by the Philippines with destination countries, 24 of which were signed under the stewardship of the DMW in 2022, with many more in the pipelines. These bilateral instruments contain key provisions that set the foundation for cooperation between two states. Examples of key provisions are fair and ethical recruitment, upskilling and sustainable reintegration on regional cooperation and processes. The Philippines, through the DMW has advanced migrant rights in Southeast Asia through the ASEAN Mechanism. During the its 2026 chairship of the ASEAN, Migrant Rights and labor mobility remained a priority for the Philippines, advancing ASEAN Framework agreements on the guidelines on fair and ethical Recruitment and return and reintegration. The Philippine experience highlights the migration governance is only as strong as its commitment to the most vulnerable. We hear our stakeholders feedback on our policies and programs. Thank you very much.

I thanked the distinguished representative of Philippines. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia, followed by Indonesia and India.

Excelencias, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Colombia is here to reaffirm that migration is not just a passing event. It is a strategic phenomenon that requires us to keep pace with changes. According to our experience, the regularization is a necessary entryway for human dignity. Our position is clear. The objectives of the Global Compact cannot be static. They must evolve from exceptional measures and become long term policies with a human rights approach. The dynamics of migration in Latin American Colombia have shifted considerably in recent years. They have shown that the variance that we see in migration must be reflected in our actions as states. The migration flows that we have received across Latin America and especially in Colombia reflect the state. The efforts being undertaken by the Colombian state to ensure reliable, robust and accessible pathways for decision making. Our comprehensive migration policy allows us to improve in data gathering, processing and analysis and dissemination of statistics. That allows us to understand the interest groups, whether they are returning Colombians, Colombians overseas or migrants from other countries. This means that our public policy has an approach that humanizes the policy, being human centered, ensuring dignified, orderly and safe movement. And as we have expressed on various opportunities, we cannot have migration policies made without migrants. This is why I'm very pleased to report that the Colombian state is developing two public policies, one on migration policy with the direct participation of the beneficiaries of this policy, and also another public refugee policy that demonstrates and strengthens international protections. Allow me to conclude by recognizing the importance of international cooperation in migrationary governance. And this has allowed us to complement institutional responses to have a fuller understanding of the migration population. We cannot be reactive in our responses. We need structural investment. In Colombia, we have moved from crisis management to governing opportunity because human rights know no borders. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia. And now I invite Indonesia Representative of Indonesia. Thank you.

Thank you. Chair. Developing reliable and integrated migration data remains a fundamental prerequisite for effective policymaking. For Indonesia, this continues to be a complex undertaking. Migration data is generated across multiple institutions with distinct mandates and methodologies. To address this, Indonesia has launched the International Migration Data Synergy aimed to consolidate migration data across ministries and institutions. Indonesia also strengthening migration statistics through the Population Census and Intercensure survey and the national level four survey to ensure more accurate and disaggregate data over time. Access to accurate and timely information is critical to reducing vulnerability at the community level. The Golden Migrant Village and Immigration Assisted Village program provides verified migration information and reduce reliance on informal channel digitally. The Safe Travel Application and the AI powered virtual assistant SARI extend information and protection services to Indonesia citizen citizens abroad, particularly women migrant workers. Indonesia also conducted public awareness campaign including through collaboration with IOM Indonesia in producing the film through the screen aim to strengthen safe migration literacy. Addressing vulnerability also means tackling misinformation and negative narrative about migrants. Indonesia promotes evidence based public discourse recognizing that social cohesion in destination communities is inseparable from effective migrant protections. On global partnership, Indonesia remains actively engaged through ASEAN and regional consultative processes. These platforms demonstrate that migration governance is most effective when grounded in shared responsibility not left to the origin countries alone. Efforts to improve data information and protection system will not deliver results if they remain fragmented across borders. A coherent migration governance framework requires stronger alignment between national system, greater transparency in data sharing and genuine cooperation among all partners. Indonesia stands Ready to advance this agenda. I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of India followed by Ethiopia and Mali. India

thank you Excellency. India thanks the co chairs for continuing this timely discussion on Roundtable 4 and reaffirms the commitment to the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Our deliberations today spanning GCM objectives, data, timely information, addressing vulnerabilities, eliminating discrimination and strengthening international cooperation are deeply interconnected. For India, these objectives are central for building an efficient migration governance framework. India believes that migration, when well governed, can be a part of powerful driver of sustainable development. As we move forward, it is imperative that we invest in enhancing systems that are responsive to the needs of migrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations. First, on Objective 1, India recognizes that reliable disaggregated data is fundamental to informed policymaking. We are strengthening our migration data systems through digital platforms that track immigration flow, skill profiles and labor market trends. Efforts are underway to enhance interoperability between databases through integration of relevant platforms with the Unified E Migrate System of India. As far as Objective 3 is concerned, access to accurate and timely information is key to enabling safe migration pathways. India has scaled up pre departure orientation programs that equipment migrant workers with knowledge of their rights, contractual obligations and local conditions in destination countries. Third, addressing Objective seven, India remains committed to protecting migrants in vulnerable situations. We have regulatory frameworks governing recruitment agencies to prevent exploitation and ensure ethical recruitment practices. Special attention is be given to sectors such as caregiving domestic work where vulnerabilities are particularly prevalent amongst women migrants. Fourth, international cooperation remains the cornerstone of effective migration governance. India has actively pursued bilateral and multilateral mobility partnerships that facilitate safe and legal migration. We have concluded 27 arrangements with 23 countries and actively engaged with several other countries in facilitating structured skill based mobility. Our engagement is guided by the principles of mutual benefit, respect and sovereignty and shared responsibility. Finally, eliminating discrimination and promoting inclusive societies is a shared responsibility. India underscores the importance of fostering positive narratives around migrants and recognizing their contributions to both origin and destination countries. Particular attention may also be given to strengthening soft skills skills including language which is central to overcoming structured barriers supporting smooth integration. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia followed by Mali and ch. China up to Ethiopia.

Thank you co chairs for the floor and thank you the panelists for your insightful interventions. Distinguished Ministers, delegates, all protocols observed. Ethiopia has made significant progresses in strengthening migration governance aligned with the GCM under Objective 1 Ethiopia has integrated migration indicators in into its national development and statistical frameworks, establishing a Migration Statistics Unit within the Ethiopian Statistics Office. This has improved data collection, analysis and sharing with regional and international partners and fostering evidence based decision making. The 2024 Integrated National Household Survey includes 49 migration related indicators to support policymaking. Ethiopia also enacted the Personal Data Protection Proclamation to promote responsible data sharing and is developing a national Migration database along with thematic databases on immigration, crime, returnees and diaspora mouse and data sharing protocols among key institutions strengths and administrative share data sharing. Regarding Objective 3 Ethiopia is enhancing the accuracy, time, timelines and accessibility of migration information through initiatives like the National Awareness Creation Strategy which addresses irregular migration, trafficking and smuggling. Institutional mechanisms including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Risk Assessments, Labor Market Information System and National Toll Free Hotline provide real time support. In line with objective 17, Ethiopia has ratified key international treaties and established multi stakeholder platforms in line with the whole of government and whole of society approach such as the National Council led by the Deputy Prime Minister to coordinate migration policies. The country hosted the 2024 Second GCM Continental Review Forum and participates in regional initiatives like the Khartoum Process and African Continental Free Trade Area. Bilateral agreements and law enforcement collaborations enhance migrant protection and safe migration pathways. Ethiopia's commitment extends Objective 23 where it leads as the first GCM champion country in the Horn of Africa. The country actively engages regionally and globally, strengthening partnerships, promoting legal frameworks and participating in joint initiatives along main migration routes. Its regional leadership roles, including the Vice Chairing the AU Committee on Migration and chairing the east and Horn of Africa Migration Forum underscores underscore its dedication to cross boundary cooperation and dialogue. Ethiopia also works with Gulf States, Europe and Southeast Asia and with our international partners not only to address emerging trafficking challenges but also to coordinate migration related actions across trans regional routes. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali.

Madam Chair, Mr. Co Chair, ladies and gentlemen, Having an exemplary migration policy is crucial. Having a rigorous architecture based on indissociable pillars, having clear data, transparency of information, protecting the most vulnerable and international solidarity. These are key pillars. Yes indeed. I did say international solidarity. Solidarity that is not just empty words, but real action. For Mali, these principles are more than just technical objectives. They are the very ethical bedrock of a policy that refuses to disassociate effectiveness from humanity. Regarding managing information, Mali has undertaken root and branch reform under the auspices of a Center of Information for Management and by mobilizing a dedicated unit, my country has now in place a real strategy for migration. At the same time, we believe that orderly migration is key. By enlightening people, we have awareness raising campaigns and we conduct dialogues with our diaspora. So we are seeking to offer each and every person their means to carry out employment wherever they can. Our commitment is very urgent because we really in terms of decreasing vulnerabilities. Objective 7 and this is at the forefront of our policy. We really uphold human dignity. This human dignity is something that is crucial. We have to combat stigmatization. Objective 17. Mali is seeking to change how people look at migrants so they're no longer seemed as viewed as a threat, but as a lever for development and as links between nations. We have a transnational reality here. Therefore international cooperation is absolutely crucial. Our exemplary partnership with the IOM demonstrates this desire to build a coordinated partnership. Sir, we don't just want to make empty statements. We need financial assistance that match what's at stake to reflect reality on the ground. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mali. And I will now give the floor to the distinguished panelists. We have heard the last speaker in our interactive discussions. I would like to thank the keynote speakers, the panelists and all participants for the active engagement before concluding. Participants are reminded that the policy debate on operationalizing a route based approach to strengthen implementation of global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration will take place this afternoon at 3pm in this room. Roundtable four of the international Migration Review Forum is now concluded. The meeting is adjourned.