Delegates adopt a resolution in support of migrants facilitated by Minister Leila C. Lora-Santos | Photo by New York Philippine Mission to the UN
NEW YORK – In a rare historic feat, the Philippines earned its mark at the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly when it adopted a resolution on International Migration and Development after five years of nonaction by consensus. Delegates lauded the successful outcome of the resolution, which delivered a strong political message in support of migrants worldwide.
Many delegates recognized and appreciated the role of Minister Leila C. Lora-Santos of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the UN, the facilitator of the intergovernmental negotiations on the resolution.
The resolution recognizes, among others, the positive contributions of migrants in inclusive growth and sustainable development in countries of origin, transit, and destination, including by enriching societies through human, socioeconomic, and cultural capacities. It recognizes migration’s role in increasing social, cultural, and economic ties between nations. It also recognizes the positive contribution of young migrants to the sustainable development of countries of origin and destination and encourages States to consider the specific circumstances and needs of young migrants,
While expressing deep concern about the severe and disproportionate impact of the pandemic on migrants, the resolution recalls the positive role and contributions of millions of migrants in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution also elaborates on the importance of remittances as instruments to improve the well-being of recipients and the potential of remittances to reduce poverty, increase access to education, health, and improved housing, promote financial inclusion, and increase the inflow of foreign currency, as well as ensure food supplies in rural areas. It recalls, with appreciation, that many countries declared remittances to be essential services and eased regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, the resolution recognizes the importance of investing in human capital development by promoting entrepreneurship, education, vocational training, and skills development programs and partnerships, productive employment creation in line with labor market needs, to reduce youth unemployment, avoid brain drain, and optimizing brain gain in countries of origin, and to harness the demographic dividend.
The resolution underlines that international migration is a multidimensional reality and a cross-cutting phenomenon of significant relevance for developing countries of origin, transit, and destination, which requires coherent and comprehensive responses and balanced approaches. It acknowledges the complexity of migratory flows and the importance of strengthening joint analysis and sharing of information to better map, understand, predict and address migration movements.
The General Assembly resolution on International Migration and Development is considered biennially by its Second Committee and considered for adoption by both the Second Committee and the General Assembly.
