UN Migration Meeting Echoes UNFPA SOWP Report

The UNFPA State of World Population 2006 report, A Passage to Hope: Women and International Migration, seeks to address the needs and contributions of migrant women.

The report stressed that women comprise nearly 50% of migrants, but that they are often ‘invisible’ and that their contribution must be recognized, and that the recognition of the human rights of women and the need for gender equality were basic prerequisites for an effective policy framework to manage migration. (Click here for JOICFP eNEWS article)

Released on 6th September, the report preceded the first UN General Assembly Meeting on International Migration and Development, on 14th and 15th September, which focused on ways to maximize the development benefits of migration and reduce problems.

More than 130 governments were represented, and nearly all agreed to continue dialog on addressing themes such as overseas remittances, smuggling of migrants and trafficking, and bilateral and regional partnerships.

Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa concluded that international migration is a growing phenomenon and can be a positive force for development in countries of origin as well as countries of destination, provided it is supported by the right set of policies, and that it is important to strengthen international cooperation bilaterally, regionally and globally.