International Migration Review Forum 2026 - Round Table 2

One that is not an obstacle but needs to be appropriately scaffolded whilst respecting the dignity of all involved. Through its national migration policy, Mali has made its migration governance a top priority. This seeks to protect migrants, to to promote regular migration, to highlight skills of the diaspora and to strengthen links between migration and development. The causes of migration are numerous in the sub Saharan space, namely ongoing insecurity, the impact of climate change, economic difficulties and demographics. Given these challenges, my country, Mali has focused on an integrated approach based on local development, resilience of local communities and the establishment of opportunities for young people. We remain convinced that regular migration is a lasting response to irregular migration. In this context, significant efforts have been made by the government to bolster awareness raising mechanisms to promote partnerships. Our country also pays particular attention to decent work, to the protection of migrant workers and to combating all forms of exploitation of our compatriots. In terms of implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, Mali has undertaken several reforms. In particular, we've improved consular services rather and improved data. We've also undertaken national development efforts. We would like to reiterate our commitment to international cooperation based on shared responsibility, the respect for migrants rights because migration should not be perceived as a challenge, but rather as an opportunity not only for countries of origin, but also for destination countries as well. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mali. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, followed by Colombia and turchi.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I also thank the panelists for their remarks. Brazil's migration governance is firmly grounded in the protection of the human rights of all migrants regardless of their migration status. Principles of non discrimination and the non criminalization of irregular migration lie at the core of our legal and regulatory framework. We have taken concrete steps to expand and strengthen regular pathways, notably through the National Policy on Migration, Refuge and Statelessness, which aims to enhance coordination across all levels of government to ensure adequate protection and full access to public services, including health, education and social protection on an equal footing with nationals. Brazil's migration law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on nationality and ensures equal treatment and access to fair wages, safe working conditions, Social Security, injustice. The national policy builds on this foundation by further promoting labor market inclusion, protection to vulnerable groups and advancing integration through employment and income generation. Opera Sangua Cuelida Brazil's internationally recognized response to large scale mixed migration flows also offers a concrete example of these principles in practice. Its modality of relocation through signaled job vacancies enables the voluntary transfer of migrants from border areas to cities across the country where Employers have identified job opportunities, participants are matched to vacancies, receive documentation and logistical support, and are expected to begin work shortly after arrival. This approach fosters rapid social economic integration through formal employment, while also alleviating pressure on border regions. Together, these elements reflect a comprehensive regulatory approach that aligns migration governance with the concept of decent work, while reinforcing the protection of human rights and facilitating access to regular pathways for migrants. I thank you.

Thank you, Distinguished representative of Brazil. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia, followed by Turchia and Food and Agriculture Organization.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Migration management in Colombia is no longer a reactive emergency response. It is now a state policy with a development focus. This transition is rooted in the clear pillars that aim to ensure continuity, inclusion and sustainability. First of all, I would highlight the strengthening of the normative framework through the law 2136 of 2021 which establishes the the Comprehensive Migration Policy in Colombia. That instrument has helped us overcome the previous fragmentation and to enshrine progressivity and graduality as principles, making sure that integration activities do not depend on political circumstances, but rather that they are maintained as a structural public policy. Secondly, Colombia has led a significant change by moving from temporary short term permits permits towards more in depth integration mechanisms. And in that context we have the peptutor. This is a recent tool that regularizes legal representatives or guardians of Venezuelan minors who already have temporary protection permits. This measure not only protects the families, but it also guarantees their unity and makes sure that carers can have access to formal employment and services. This has a direct impact on the stability and well being of the children and teenagers that are migrants in accordance with the Objective five of the Global Compact. In addition, Colombian migration policy chimes with several key objectives of the compact. On Objective 2, we have promoted investment in border areas and productive return programs for Colombians or on Objective five, we are consolidating regular pathways through instruments such as a temporary residence permit or the peptutor, which has allowed for the regularization of more than 2.4 million migrant persons in Colombia through instruments that regularize them and give them social protection on the Colombian territory. On Objective 6, temporary protection states has facilitated migrants access to work and has been strengthened through labor reform in Colombia, including Article 37, which does not, which says that regardless of the migration status, migrants have a right to decent labor conditions. Moreover, we should stress the strengthening of migration institutions in the implementation of

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia

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now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turchi followed by Food and Agriculture Organization and Alianza Amirikas. Thank you.

Thank you. First, I would like to thank two co chairs, Azerbaijan and Sweden and all the panelists. At the crossroads of multiple traditional migration routes, Turkey is familiar with the phenomenon of human mobility and understands the many drivers which push people on difficult journeys. It is crucial to focus on root causes. Within this context, Turkey determined the theme of his presidency for ICMP. The executive group chairmanship in 2023 is focusing on source countries for lasting solutions. In line with this theme, a comprehensive approach was adopted to contribute to the development of sustainable and long term solutions in migration management. In this context, priority was given to addressing migration problems at their source, not just their consequences. Supporting Regular Migration to prevent Irregular migration at its source project was recently launched with aim to improve operational capacity on regular migration and to raise awareness regarding benefits of legal stay processes. In order to streamline a number of application and assessment procedures for migrants and to reduce the workload on provincial migration institutions, a mobile application Goatspill was launched in 2025. Through this app, foreigners can complete procedures such as appointments, travel permits, procuring marriage licenses, ID and voluntary return applications and fulfill their notification obligations in seven languages. Within the framework of Objective 18, efforts both to support foreign nationals residing in Turkey and to facilitate the reharmonization of returnees into their home country continued through services provided by public education centers. These services aim to support adults in areas such as personal development, language skills, skills and vocational competences. Turkey delivers non formal education through 1,000 public education centers and 31 institutes of maturation, offering 2,374 course programs across 76 fields. All foreign nationals in Turkey can benefit from these courses free of charge in line with their interests and abilities. Between 2014 and 2026, a total of over 4 million trainees participated in these programs. Skills acquired in Turkey through these programs can also serve as an important contribution to the economic and social development of home countries. As evidence in cases of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey who has returned back to Syria following the developments on December 2024. Thank you very much.

Thank you. The Distinguished Representative of Turkey Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Food and Agriculture Organization and followed by Alianza Amirikas. Thank you.

I'm honored to address you on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The men and women who feed our world are under tremendous pressure from climate change, conflicts and socioeconomic pressures. They struggle to adapt, facing hard choices to try and stay or to migrate alone or with their families. Some 3.8 billion people live in households reliant on agri food systems for their livelihoods. And around 80% of the world's extreme poor live in rural areas. A large majority of the food insecure depend on agriculture and other climate sensitive livelihoods. They are among the most vulnerable, depending heavily on natural resources and facing limited access to finance, agricultural extension and technologies to help them adapt where possible. For poor and food insecure rural populations on the front lines of climate change, migration is often not an informed or fully voluntary choice. For rural youth who look around and see no future at home, migration is seen as the only way to get ahead. Concerted action is needed to ensure that migration becomes a matter of choice, not of survival, and that viable alternatives and role models exist at home. Efforts to address the adverse drivers of migration must consider their agricultural and rural dimensions, as rural areas are often the first step of departure in the migration journey. Resilience and inclusive agri food systems are a key component of the solution. Agri food systems around the world also depend on migrant workers. Migrants fill many critical roles in our agri food systems, yet the sector faces persistent challenges in providing decent working conditions and full respect for their human rights. Coherent agricultural, labor and migration policy is needed to address the structural drivers of vulnerability and provide a coherent governance framework and the remittances migrant workers send contribute to rural development. One third flows to rural areas where financial inclusion is less, payment infrastructure is weaker and where remittances play an essential role in preventing rural people from falling into poverty. We call on Member States to to align policy frameworks considering mobility and agri food system development, investment programs and climate action. Create regular migration pathways for and with rural populations. Step up occupational safety and health measures for agri food workers in a time of extreme heat and ensure adequate housing and labor protections. Foster transformative investment of remittances, skills development and transfer. We reaffirm our commitment to work together with Member States, partners and migrants to make migration a choice not a necessity and a choice that supports adaptation, development and dignity for all. Thank you.

Thank you. The distinguished representative of Food and Agriculture Organization. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Alianza Amircas. Please, the floor is yours.

Alianza Allianza Americas is a network of Latin American and Caribbean migrants in the United States is grateful for this opportunity. We reiterate the need to address the multiple root causes of migration and to recognize that containment policies violate rights and force people to resort to dangerous routes in which they risk everything to achieve safety and dignity. Cuts to financing for development and international cooperation, including for adaptation and mitigation of climate change, as well as a lack of political will, resources and capacities to guarantee economic and social rights need to be addressed in this forum. There is no certainty or predictability in migration processes. The options are very limited and existing statuses and pathways are linked to changes in government. Migration policies need to be state policies, not government policies. Work and residence permits are administrative procedures that are subject to due process. The lack of legal certainty for those asking for permission to enter or stay in a country, including international protection, is worrying to us. There should be no migration control actions in extreme climate events, in shelters where evacuated persons are being protected or people who've been victims of crimes, in hospitals, medical centers, in schools or places of religious worship. The protection of the rights of children and family unity need to prevail over migration control. In the area of recruitment and decent work, we need to move beyond models that make workers a commodity towards models that treat them with dignity and rights. We are alarmed by the regression in salaries and working conditions in terms of temporary jobs where labour the decent labor standards are not being respected. Lastly, labour rights need to be guaranteed through awareness prior to hiring and safeguards while protection is being requested. And lastly, we would like to stress that the inclusion of migrants is a multi level undertaking. We would highlight progress at the local level where the focus is not on nationality or migration status of a person, but rather on their needs as children, women, workers, older persons, families and so on. Xenophobia is something that you address with inclusion policies. Thank you very much.

So Excellencies and distinguished delegates, unfortunately we are running out of time and that means that we've now heard our last speaker in this interactive discussion. But participants who were unable to speak during this roundtable may also submit their statements to the secretariat@ statementsn.org I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the keynote speaker, the panelists and all participants of course, for your very active engagement. And before concluding, participants are reminded that Roundtable 2 will take place immediately after the conclusion of this roundtable at 12pm in this room. And before closing this roundtable, I would also like to inform you that Conference Room 7 will be the overflow room for the remaining roundtables today, where participants that are unable to find a seat in this room can follow the discussions on screen. Roundtable 1 of the International Migration Review Forum is now concluded. Thank you everyone.

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It's. Excellencias, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Excellencias, Excellencies, distinguished delegations, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you to Roundtable two of the International Migration Review Forum. As you would have seen on the 27th of April 2026 note. This roundtable will provide an opportunity to debate progress made in implementing objectives 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 21 of the global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. I now give the floor to the co Chair, His Excellency, Mr. Bart Van Den Brink, Minister of Asylum and Migration and Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands for some opening remarks.

Thank you very much. Good to be here today. Excellencies, distinguished and delegates, it's an honor to address this roundtable on behalf of the the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Migration is a global reality that demands global solutions. The Netherlands is a committed member of the United nations and a firm believer in the multilateral system. We strongly believe that international cooperation should pay close attention to safeguarding of the rights of migrants and balance the needs and priorities of countries of origin, transit and destination. Doing so is crucial to deliver better outcomes for both migrants and nation states. And I'm looking forward to build a better understanding of each other's needs and to continue stronger cooperation to work towards achieving the GGM objectives. And in that spirit, let me share some of the Netherlands priorities with regards to the objectives of this roundtable today. Because what we want to achieve is better management of migration by strengthening international partnerships and by protecting the human rights of migrants. Through well balanced cooperation with countries of origin, transit and destination, we aim to contribute to solid route based migration management that is both human and credible. A key priority for the Netherlands is the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. That's why we invest in capacity building, information sharing and operational cooperation with international partners to dismantle criminal networks while protecting those at risk. One example is the PROMISE Program where together with UNODC and Human Rights Commissioner, we supported 10 countries in west and Central Africa in developing human rights based responses to smuggling and trafficking. But today I want to emphasize another point as well. To tackle migrant smuggling and trafficking, we need credible migration management systems. These credible systems include border management procedures, effective asylum procedures and also effective return policies. The Netherlands places strong emphasis on safe, dignified and sustainable return and reintegration for those who do not have the legal right to remain. Voluntary return is always our preference. Through our COMPASS program, we assist not only returning migrants, but also voluntary returns from partner Countries to third countries. Voluntary return cannot stand by itself. It needs to be complemented by predictable and rights based mechanisms. Because without this balance, we risk creating situations of extended irregular stay which undermine both public trust and the integrity of the protection systems. And most of all, we have to act on this because we have to break down the business model of migrants, smugglers and traffickers. We recognize that cooperation on return and readmission remains inconsistent at the global level. Strengthening this cooperation is therefore essential and this needs to be a shared responsibility of us all. And the Netherlands is committed to to promote innovative or new ways of migration management while placing human rights at the center of all efforts. We see return hubs, safe country partnerships and other such cooperation mechanisms as necessary additions to our global system of international migration management to address existing gaps in order to protect migrants from falling in the hands of migrant smugglers. And at the same time, we recognize that these models may pose new risks to vulnerable migrants. And we will continue to ensure that we take a human rights based approach in the development of these concepts. And we call on our partners to engage in the dialogue to make our migration system future proof here today and in the future. Thank you all. I now give the floor to my fellow co chair, Her Excellency Patricia Nathalie Godias, Vice Minister of the Diaspora and Human Mobility of El Salvador, to deliver some opening remarks.

Muche Simas. Gracias.

Thank you very much. Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It's an honor for me, together with the Minister of Asylum and Migration and Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands, to chair this roundtable on the GCM objectives related to protection, security and the dignity of migrants throughout the migration cycle. We are meeting at a critical juncture as the report of the Secretary General A at 632. Migration at present is determined by complex interrelated geopolitical, economic, demographic and environmental factors which remind us that no state can address migration alone and that cooperation continues to be at the core of the Global Compact. Since the first review forum in 2022, we have seen significant progress. There has been a strengthening of cross border cooperation to prevent the trafficking in human beings. We have modernized border management systems, expanding access in the area of documentation and promoted alternatives to migratory detention, particularly in the case of children and adolescents. The progress declaration that we will adopt at this forum reaffirms fundamental principles, in particular that all migrant persons, regardless of their migration status, are rights holders and it reaffirms the obligation to respect, protect and guarantee their human rights without any sort of discrimination. However, the reality remains deeply worrying. Many migrants continue to lose their lives on dangerous routes. And there are still gaps when it comes to legal identity, which leaves many migrants without access to basic rights and services. Human trafficking and smuggling networks, including of migrants, continue to adapt and expand. Often they make use of new technologies. At the same time, regular migration pathways continue to be limited and in many cases they are inaccessible. This increases situations of vulnerability throughout migratory routes and this highlights one central point which is that the progress has been real, but it has also been insufficient given the magnitude of the challenges. In this context, this roundtable invites us to focus on effective implementation guided by a human rights based approach focusing on the human rights of all migrants regardless of their migration status. Allow me to point out three areas that deserve our collective attention. First, strengthening systems that guarantee legal identity and documentation as a way in to the exercise of rights to protection and to inclusion throughout the migration cycle. Second, strengthening international cooperation to save lives, including search, rescue mechanisms and mechanisms to provide support for the families of missing persons. And third, making sure that migration governance frameworks, including border management and voluntary return and reintegration processes are fully aligned with international human rights law and are implemented in a predictable, coordinated and above all, humane way. Excellencies, distinguished delegates at the national level, countries such as El Salvador continue to show that progress is possible through policies aimed at expanding access to documentation for its diaspora, regardless of migration status. This reflects the value of the global compact in practice. In parallel, we have strengthened institutional and legal frameworks to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling with a victim centered approach. These efforts are complemented by the strengthening of a broad and modern consular network as well as the implementation of reintegration programs that have benefited thousands of returnees. This includes the development of a national reintegration plan which promotes dignified, sustainable and person centered processes. With a view to our deliberations, it is essential to reiterate key guaranteeing legal identity, saving lives, combating illicit traffic and smuggling, promoting border management that is based on rights, moving towards alternatives to detention and ensuring safe and dignified returns with sustainable reintegration. Allow me to conclude with a key idea. Migration must not be understood simply from the point of view of its challenges, but also the development opportunities that it offers. Migrants make a significant contribution to sustainable development. They strengthen economies and they enrich our societies from a cultural and social point of view. They also play a key role in essential sectors such as care and innovation, with a positive impact on countries of origin, transit and destination which need to be recognised and promoted through inclusive and evidence based public policies. Making the most of this potential requires exactly what we are discussing coherent policies, effective cooperation and a firm commitment to the human rights of all migrants regardless of their migration status. The challenge that we have ahead is not to redefine the principles in the compact, but rather to implement them with more consistency, ambition and without going backwards. And I very much look forward to a rich and future oriented discussion. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to His Excellency Kehinda Otafire, Minister of Internal affairs of Uganda for a keynote statement.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to address this IMF RIF roundtable on Protecting migrant rights and addressing vulnerabilities throughout the migration journey. In the Uganda context, migration governance must be rooted in human rights protection, inclusion and shared responsibility. When migration is well governed, it becomes not a source of fear, but a pathway to stability, development and shared prosperity. Hereby I wish to express Uganda's deep appreciation to the International Organization for Migration, especially IOM Uganda Excellencies. I want to speak not only for our policy but also from our lived experience. Uganda is a country of origin, transit and destination. We host over 2 million refugees, making Uganda the largest refugee hosting country in Africa and the fifth largest globally. This reality has been shaped by our open door refugee policy which is premised on human dignity and safety. Since the first imrf, Uganda has made important progress in implementing the Global Compact of Migration throughout the whole of the life of government and our society approach since independence we are proud to be among the first countries in East Africa and globally to adopt a national GCM implementation plan for 2024-2028. We've also launched the National Migration Policy 2025 which provides a comprehensive framework to protect migrants rights, address vulnerabilities and harness migration for development. Following the approval of the National Migration Policy, we've established an interministerial Technical Committee on Migration and major institutional milestone for coordinated implementation of governance. We move from commitment to concrete action on legal identity and documentation. We have expanded national identification systems, strengthened birth registration, improved access to civil documents. We also prioritizing interoperable crisis resilience systems with strong safeguards for data protection and privacy. Border Management Uganda has strengthened integrated and protective sensitive border systems, improved migrant documentation, enhanced cross border cooperation and engaged border communities. Our aim is to prevent trafficking and irregular migration while upholding human rights. On migration data, Uganda has revitalized the Migration Data Technical Working Group with the IOM support labor mobility, we have advanced bilateral labor agreements, facilitated skills recognition, promoted safer recruitment pathways and on diaspora engagement, we have established diaspora units to coordinate all efforts in developing a national diaspora policy, promoting skills mapping, knowledge transfer, digital remittances and diaspora investment. With support of the IOM on refugees management, we continue to keep doors open to refugees and asylum seekers globally. On human trafficking, we have strengthened the Anti Trafficking framework through the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons act national referral mechanisms, digital tools for case tracking. In 2024, Uganda accelerated the UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol and Smuggling of Migrants Protocol. Reinforcing our commitment to international cooperation and human dignity, Uganda commits to victim centered identification, non punishment approaches, protection and access to justice. On return and reintegration. We support protection centered returns, sustainable reintegration linking retainees to decent work, psychological support and local development systems. Reintegration must not be treated as an end of an immigration of a migration journey. It must be treated as the beginning of of renewed dignity and opportunity. Excellencies, we acknowledge that progress does not erase the challenges before us. Migrants continue to face serious vulnerabilities including trafficking exploitation, missing migrant situations, human rights risks at border, detention concerns and difficulties in return. And reintegration should be noted that new risks are emerging. Technology enabled smuggling, child exploitation, gender based violence, unforced labor require stronger, smarter and more coordinated responses. Excellencies, for this roundtable, Uganda puts forward three priority actions. First, we call for investment in inclusive legal identity and documentation systems including birth registration with privacy safeguards and non digital options so that no one is left behind. Second, we call for sustainable community based reintegration systems that bring services close to the people and ensure that return is dignified and rights based and durable. We appeal for international community support in mobilizing funding for growing populations of refugees. The test of our commitment is not only in the policies we are adopting, but in the lives we protect. Our task is clear to ensure that every migrant is seen, every vulnerability is addressed, every border is managed with humanity and humility and every return is handled with dignity. We stand ready to work with Member States, the UN Network on Migration, igad, IOM and all partners to translate commitment into measurable action under the Global Compact for Migration under the IMRF Progress Declaration. I thank you for Gurupai and my country.

I thank His Excellency Mr. Otafire. We will now hear presentations from our distinguished panelists and it is my pleasure to welcome them. His Excellency Armen Ghazarian, Deputy Minister of Internal affairs of Armenia Ms. Siobhan Mulally, Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons and Ms. Blanca Gomez, Member of the Committee of Families of Disappeared Migrants and Member of the Latin American Migration Bloc 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 panellists are invited to press the microphone button starting now. Those speaking on behalf of a group should approach the Secretariat in order to be given priority in the speaking 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 a 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 screen. I thank you for your cooperation ahead of time. In order to maximize the time available to us, I would ask all panelists to observe the agreed time limit of four minutes. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Armen Khazarian, Deputy Minister of Internal affairs of Armenia.

Thank you very much. Honorable Co Chairs, Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, for the purposes of this roundtable I have divided my speech into three buckets to try to address all the objectives of of the global compact that we have in this particular debate. First, on returns and reintegration, I'd like to share with you Armenia's perspective on ensuring safe, dignified and rights based return and readmission. In recent years, we have undertaken substantial legal, institutional and operational reforms to modernize our migration government's framework in line with our national priorities and in close cooperation with international partners. Ensuring that return procedures are fully in line with international human rights law remains a core priority for us. Armenia implements return and readmission processes based on individual assessment, due process guarantees and full respect for the principle of non refulma in identity verification, case management. We pay particular attention to vulnerable groups, including children. Armenia continues effectively to implement the EU Armenia readmission agreement. In addition, we are actively broadening our bilateral framework, including the recent agreements with the neighboring Georgia and ongoing negotiations with several countries on return and readmission. These efforts contribute to more predictable, transparent and efficient return procedures. At the same time, we recognize that sustainable reintegration is essential for making return processes effective and humane. Our reintegration efforts are a combination of state funded programs and civil society engagement. However, we recognize that reintegration must go beyond immediate assistance. We are working to strengthen tailored, locally grounded reintegration systems that respond to specific needs of the returnees. This includes improving access to decent work through skills development, recognition of qualifications and support for entrepreneurship, as well as ensuring psychosocial support and community based reintegration mechanisms. Thus, on returns, the key issues remain improvement of efficiency in identity verification, close international cooperation and sustainable reintegration. Second, on legal identity and documentation, Ensuring legal identity for all is a cornerstone of effective migration governance and a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights. Drawing on our recent reforms allow me to highlight several practical steps that Member States here and stakeholders can take for them as well. So first, building inclusive and reliable legal identity systems requires a strong and coherent legal framework. In Armenia, the revised Law on State Population Registry and ID Documents establishes a unified, centralized and digital system that covers all persons legally residing in the country, including foreign nationals, stateless people, refugees and asylum seekers on a non discriminatory basis. This is a so called single source of truth for legal identity. Secondly, access to documentation services and providing the population with international standard compliant documents are not a luxury but a basic necessity. Recognizing this, we have signed a large public private partnership contract with one of the leading world companies in secure identity management and we'll be producing state of art documentation for our citizens, migrants and all group of populations that reside in the country. Also, recognizing the importance of access to such services, we launched mobile documentation services, bringing them to even remote villages. And third, digitalization offers significant opportunities to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery. Armenia has introduced electronic systems for citizenship, residence, work permits procedures, reducing administrative burden and improving processing time. However, digital transformation should be inclusive. This means ensuring that persons with limited digital literacy and those in areas with low connectivity are not left behind. And finally, on trafficking and smuggling, we attach high priority to preventing and combating migrant smuggling and trafficking as a State Party to Palermo Convention and its protocol. At the same time, we remain firmly committed to addressing irregular migration in comprehensive manner. Recent trends show that our country is becoming a country of origin, destination and transit at the same time. Thus, we are trying to contribute to the global security and to the European security by addressing the issues of trafficking and smuggling. And in conclusion, I'd like to reiterate that Armenia reaffirms its commitment to advancing safe, orderly and regular migration while ensuring that our responses remain grounded in State sovereignty, human rights, dignity and international cooperation. And I thank you. Once again.

I thank Mr. Gazarian. I now give the floor to Ms. Siobhan Mulally, Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons.

Honourable Co Chairs, Excellencies, distinguished Delegates and colleagues. Risks of trafficking increase in the context of migration and forced displacement and despite our collective commitments, millions of women, men and children remain trapped in systems of exploitation that strip them not only of their freedom, but of their fundamental human rights. Trafficking in persons is not an isolated crime or human rights violation. It thrives at the intersections of discrimination, inequality, displacement and restrictive migration policies. Let us be clear. Restrictions on migration pathways, limited protection of the rights of migrant workers and their families increase exploitation. Restrictions on access to international protection, as highlighted at the Global Refugee Forum, push people seeking protection into dangerous, risky journeys. Those who benefit are traffickers. Formal and informal networks involving community and family members, often benefiting from weakness in the rule of law and corruption, climate change and armed conflict situations, also increase risks of trafficking in persons. To effectively respond, we must move beyond narrow criminal justice responses and place human rights at the centre of our actions. We have ignored disability rights in anti trafficking responses. I have highlighted the urgency of ensuring disability rights in all prevention, protection and accountability measures, recognising that persons with disabilities may be targeted by traffickers and face additional obstacles to access to justice. Gender inequality and racial injustice continues to influence who migrates, under what conditions and into which sectors. Women and girls are disproportionately represented in low paid, informal and undervalued sectors such as domestic work, where protections are weakest and oversight is limited. Harmful gender norms, unequal access to education and employment, and discriminatory migration policies increase their exposure to exploitation. At the same time, men and boys are often trafficked into sectors such as construction, agriculture and fishing, where they face hazardous conditions, debt bondage and forced labor. A gender responsive risk approach must therefore address the distinct risk faced by all, while challenging the structural inequalities that sustain them. Despite legislative development in many states, enforcement remains weak, labour inspectorates are often not effective and tied visas continue to increase risks of exploitation. I will highlight three key points. First, I wish to draw your attention to the rights of migrant domestic workers, an often invisible workforce that sustain households and economies across the globe. The majority are women, many of whom migration search of economic opportunity but instead encounter exploitation, violence, withheld wages, confiscated passports, excessive working hours and physical or psychological abuse, and sexual violence. Their isolation behind closed doors combined with gendered power imbalances makes them particularly at risk of of trafficking in persons. Protecting their rights requires enforceable labor standards, access to justice, and the recognition that domestic work is work entitled to the same dignity and protection as any other form of employment. No worker should have to choose between survival and freedom. Second, we must confront the issue of forced criminality in the context of migration. Victims of trafficking are frequently compelled to engage in illicit activities drug transport, petty theft, fraud, online scamming. With hundreds of thousands of victims of trafficking identified in online scamming compounds across the ASEAN region and in other regions of the world, they are not there by choice, but through coercion, deception and extreme violence. Yet too often trafficked persons are treated as perpetrators rather than as victims. This failure not only deepens injustice, but strengthens the very networks we seek to dismantle. States must ensure that legal systems are equipped to identify indicators of trafficking and respond with protection, not punishment. The principle of non punishment is the cornerstone of a human rights based approach. Victims of trafficking must not be penalised for unlawful acts committed as a direct consequence of their exploitation. This is not an abstract ideal, it is a practical necessity. Without it, victims remain hidden, fearful of authorities and unable to seek help. Implementing non punishment provisions requires training for law enforcement, prosecutors and judges, as well as clear legal safeguards that prioritize victim protection over prosecution and that are sensitive to the gender specific and disability rights of victims and barriers that they face in accessing justice. The Global Compact and Migration committed to strengthening safe reporting mechanisms. However, too often trafficked persons are detained and punished subject to deportation proceedings or criminal sanction rather than receiving protection. Effective implementation of the non punishment principle is essential to the right to a fair trial and and to effective investigations. Ensuring accountability. Third, we must recognize that trafficked persons are among the many migrants and refugees who die or disappear on land and at sea. We must ensure that obligations of search and rescue, safe disembarkation and protection against refoulement are ensured and that persons in situations of distress are protected rather than subjected to further risks of trafficking and serious human rights violations. The role of civil society and human rights defenders assisting migrants and refugees must be respected and protected. Finally, we must not overlook the rights of migrant and refugee children who face compounded discrimination and violence shaped by age, race, migration status and gender displacement. Family separation and lack of legal status status expose them to trafficking risks. Girls may face heightened risks of sexual exploitation, forced domestic work, child marriage, while boys may be more vulnerable to forced labor or recruitment into criminal activities. Children are not migrants first. They are children first. Their best interests must guide every decision affecting them. This means ensuring safe migration pathways, access to guardianship and child sensitive age assessment procedures. Distinguished Delegates, our response to trafficking in persons must be comprehensive, coordinated and courageous. It must include stronger labour protections, safe migration channels, access to remedies and survivor centered support systems that are gender responsive and non discriminatory. Let us commit not only to ending trafficking but to building systems that prevent external exploitation. Before it begins, let us listen to survivors, amplify their voices and ensure that our policies reflect their rights, needs and lived experience. Excellencies we must recognize that safe, regular, expanded migration Pathways access to international protection including asylum rights based family reunification, resettlement and complementary pathways to protection prevents trafficking in persons. Restrictions on migration and asylum do not combat trafficking or attack traffickers. They increase the risks of trafficking and benefit criminal networks who exploit people in very vulnerable situation. Externalization measures increase undermines or shared responsibility and increase serious risks of human rights violations. A human rights based response can eradicate trafficking in persons. The measure of our success will not be in the number of prosecutions alone, but in the lives restored, the rights protected and the futures reclaimed. I call on you to ensure just and fair conditions of work for migrant workers and their families, including domestic workers. Eliminate tide visas and ensure that bilateral migration agreements guarantee effective enforcement and measures for prevention of trafficking in high risk sectors. Ensure unconditional assistance to victims of trafficking, rights to residents including pathways to long term residence and citizenship and effective access to justice including compensation. End immigration related detention of children and ensure the best interests of all children and strengthened child protection routes systems across migration and forced displacement routes. Ensure that obligations of search and rescue at sea and safe disembarkation and protection against refoulement are effectively implemented in full compliance with human rights law and law of the sea. Ensure disability, inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities in all anti trafficking measures. Ensure effective enforcement of the non punishment principle including in relation to immigration related offences and ensure full implementation of the non refulmon principle without discrimination, ensuring shared responsibility for the rights of refugees and ending externalization measures. Thank you.

I would like to thank Ms. Siobhan Mulally. I now give the floor to Ms. Blanca Gomez, Member of the Committee of Families of Disappeared Migrants and member of the Latin American Migration Bloc.

Good afternoon. My name is Blanca Gomez. I am a representative of the Committee of Families of Disappeared Migrants from El Salvador and I am also a member of the Latin American Migration Block. I am a mother, a sister and a person looking for a missing person. For 16 years I am searching for my son who went missing on the on a migration route. I'm also looking for my brother who went missing 13 years ago. Together with other family members, we are also searching for thousands of migrants that have gone missing or who have been killed on the road. Being here represents an achievement and above all it represents a ray of hope. It means that the authorities can directly hear the voices of families and can learn about the challenges that we face every day. One of the main obstacles is the lack of access to resources for searching at the local and also transnational levels. Very often consular facilities or other organizations are far away from our communities and we don't have the resources to be able to reach them. That is compounded by a lack of information about these mechanisms and also language barriers that indigenous communities face. Since the Global Compact for Migration was created, families, together with civil society organizations, have been working to advance Objective 8, focused on saving lives and addressing the situation of missing migrants. Seven years on from its approval, we continue to tirelessly search among the living and also among the dead. We have promoted the databases, forensics commissions and external search support systems, among other instruments. However, it is urgent that we strengthen these efforts in countries of origin, transit and destination. We know that we are living in a complex global context marked by conflict and a regression on human rights. Therefore, we call upon States to not rescind on their commitments, particularly as relates to Objective 8. It is essential that we strengthen the registry of cases and coordinate with organizations and families and that there be a consolidation and strengthening of organizations that are already working to find missing persons. Evidence shows that a multisectoral approach is more effective. It is also key that specialized prosecutors in countries of origin, transit and destination receive complaints and are able to generate databases that can generate coordinated search activities with a human rights based approach rather than an approach based on criminalization. As family members, we acknowledge activities that the organization carried out in April of this year in application of Article 34 of the Convention in Mexico, addressing the concerns of thousands of Mexican families and families from other countries who have loved ones that are missing in that country and that includes migrants that were passing along that migration route. We acknowledge the progress that has been made, but a lot still needs to be done. The challenge is to turn these commitments into real results, to find our loved ones and to keep working for people who have been forcibly returned and deported. And I apologize that I have to leave now because I have another event to attend, but thank you very much.

I thank Ms. Blanca Gomez.

Appreciation to our panelists for this presentations. We will now hear the comments and questions from the delegations. Time limits will be strictly enforced through an automatic microphone cutoff. To assist the speakers with time management, we have projected a timer on the screens. Delegates may also submit their full length statements to the Secretariat to email addresses estatementsn.org the text of the statements submitted will be posted on E Statements in the United Nations Journal. We will continue this session for another five minutes because the interpreters has also their breakup this afternoon. So let's start with the distinguished delegate of Sweden. To start with his three minutes.

Honorable Chairs and excellences over the past two years, the Swedish Government has undertaken a major shift in national migration policy and also in our cooperation with European and international partners. A central priority for Sweden is to prevent and reduce irregular migration. We are strengthening both legislative and operational tools to improve migration and border management while reducing vulnerability. Expanded identity checks and interviews help us identify at a very early stage persons who do not have the right to remain, while also enabling authorities to detect protection needs sooner. So reforms in the reception systems aim to create safer and also more regulated living conditions and prevent people absconding. We fully support efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks to protect lives and to end the impunity of criminal activity. As mentioned, Sweden attaches great importance to cooperation with partner countries and international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration. Parallel to our national reforms, Sweden has redesigned our development cooperation and placed migration more clearly at the center of development cooperation. Our whole of government approach and new global strategy of migration return and voluntary repatriation reflects this commitment. Sweden is also increasing efforts to ensure effective returns for people who do not have a legal right to stay, including non voluntary returns and especially with regard to the return of convicted criminals. On this topic, a small number of migrants commit serious crimes. This undermines public confidence in the protection system and harm law abiding refugees and migrants. Sweden therefore believes that serious crimes, including rape, must always be addressed with clarity and resolve. In this context, Sweden wants to update guidelines regarding the application of Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention to clearly reflect that rape in every circumstance constitutes a very serious crime. And this would allow the expulsion of convicted convicted criminals even if they are recognized refugees, which I believe is crucial, crucial to safeguard the protection space for those people that are in need. Let me once again underline that Sweden stands ready to work with partners to strengthen migration management, to uphold protection, to support sustainable reintegration and also to build migration systems that are credible and sustainable. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. And I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti, followed by Gambia and the Republic of Moldova.

Haiti pays particular importance to undertaking specific reforms. An accelerated mechanism means that we can significantly reduce the timetable for issuing passports and national identity cards, in particular for foreign citizens. The ECAT project, furthermore was launched to modernize and make the identification of passengers secure as they enter and exit the country via airplane, thus strengthening the reliability and traceability of migration flows. We're also seeking to strengthen access to identity documents by improving consular management within our diplomatic missions. We are pursuing these efforts to strengthen

our

working in coordination with national institutions and technical partners regarding border Management the government has taken steps to make borders more safe and to improve and secure, make the performance of customs better. The security and humanitarian crisis, as well as a lack of opportunities continue. However, to fuel irregular migration, the priority of the Haitian government is re establishing security, organizing elections, relaunching the economy and putting the country on the path of lasting stability. Without security, there can be neither sustainable development nor effective migration governance. So we would call upon our partners to fully support the Gang Suppression Force, working alongside the Haitian armed forces and the police to create necessary conditions for organizing free, credible and inclusive elections. We would also call for combating transnational organized crime networks to be stepped up as well as human trafficking. All of this excitement exploits the vulnerability of our citizens. Haiti would reiterate that it is fully willing to work with all of its partners, states and international organizations, as well as civil society to build a more humane migration policy that is better coordinated and more effective. We have a clear goal to ensure that each Haitian person be identified, protected and respected wherever he or she may be, to make sure that migration is a choice and no longer a necessity.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Haiti and I will now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia, followed by the representative of the Republic of Moldova.

Thank you. Chair Excellencies on the Legal Identity the Gambia has made progress in expanding biometric identification systems and strengthening bad registration, including true mobile outreach. Nevertheless, gaps remain, particularly among vulnerable populations and returnees, and addressing these remains a priority. On saving lives and addressing the issues of missing migrants, this has become an area of focused national attention. The GAMBE has established a National Task Force on missing migrants and continue to engage in regional and international dialogues on these issues, including co sharing of a Rabat process which was held in the Gambia. We strongly endorse the Secretary General's recommendations and urge all states to cooperate on search identifications and family support. This remains a humanitarian imperative. On border management, we have adopted an integrated border management framework, upgraded key border posts and rolled out biometric data systems. Like midas, we have trained hundreds of border officials on human rights and referral mechanisms. At the same time, we are concerned by the expanse of externalized borders, control and decriminalization of humanitarian assistance. These practices do not save lives, they push people into a more dangerous route. On detentions, we have moved towards alternatives, especially for children and families. In all proceedings involving children and in migration matters, the best interest of all, the child, must always be considered. We encourage all states to see a good practices on community based models. On returns and reintegration, the Gambia remains committed to ensuring that returnees are voluntary, safe and dignified, supported by reintegration assistance that promotes sustainable livelihoods. Since 2022, over 15,000 Gambian migrants have returned voluntarily, supported by livelihood grants, psychosocial support and services and school training. Reintegration is about restoring dignity. Continuous international cooperation in the best interest is essential. The Gambia calls for a cooperative and a balanced approach that upholds border integrity while ensuring that migration governance remain firmly grounded in human rights, dignity and shared responsibilities. I thank you,

I thank the representative of Gambia and I now give the follower to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova and after that we will break up this meeting.

Honorable Chairpersons, distinguished delegates Moldova remains firmly committed to advancing a comprehensive, right based and forward looking migration government framework fully aligned with global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration. Since the first International Migration Review Forum, Moldova has strengthened migrants access to legal identity and documentation through several simplifying admission and residence procedures ensuring equitable access to documentation for all categories of migrants, including vulnerable situations assisting with residential permit to victims of trafficking as measure of protection and support. These policies are grounded in the principles of equal treatment and non discrimination. A key milestone in this area is the introduction of residence cards which consolidate six different types of identity documents into a single security format. Moldova has strengthened its capacity to prevent and combat migrants smuggling and trafficking through enhanced risk analysis mechanism and the use of modern analytical tools for the early detection of irregular migration tendency. We have advanced our integrated water management system in line with European standards, strengthening centralized coordination and operational efficiency. Investment Investment in digitalization, including biometric system, as well as enhanced cooperation with Frontex, Intel Pol and relevant UN agencies have significantly improved risk analysis and border security capabilities. Recent legislative changes have introduced specific safeguards for family with children and unaccompanied minors. Accordingly, these categories are exempt from the public custody regime. In such cases, priority is given to alternative protection measures. The Government of Moldova continues to prioritize structured dialogue with countries with which no formal agreement exists. The focus is on irregular migration and readmission arrangements while strengthening return mechanism in of full compliance with international human rights standards. To conclude, Moldova reaffirm its commitment to a migration governance approach grounded in shared responsibility, international cooperation and the effective implementation of a global compact for migration. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Republic of Moldova. We have heard the last speaker in our interactive discussion for this meeting participation. All the delegates are reminded that roundtable two will continue later today at 3pm in this room, this meeting is adjoined.