Vietnam upholds balanced, human-centered migration governance
WVR - From May 5-8, the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA.
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| Overview of the second International Migration Review Forum. (Source: Consular Department) |
The forum took place amidst ongoing complex challenges in international migration, ranging from gaps in migration governance and a lack of legal and safe migration channels to the rise of human trafficking networks, illegal migration, and new forms of exploitation in the digital environment.
With the participation of nearly 130 countries, numerous international organizations, and stakeholders, the IMRF aimed to review the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) since the first forum in 2022. It also discussed opportunities and challenges in migration and identified cooperation priorities for the next phase.
In her opening remarks, Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, affirmed that migration is an inevitable reality of humanity that no country can manage alone. She emphasized the role of governments in ensuring migration becomes a "win-win-win" model for migrants, origin countries, and destination countries.
The President of the United Nations General Assembly also stated that the key issue is not debating whether migration is "good or bad" but managing it effectively by placing people at the center of migration agreements. She encouraged member states to engage in frank and substantive discussions to incorporate these discussions into national policies and bilateral and regional agreements.
Additionally, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that migration continues to make significant contributions to economic growth, innovation, and social development. He expressed concern over the increasing human trafficking and the rising number of deaths on migration routes, with approximately 200,000 trafficking victims and over 15,000 deaths or disappearances.
Affirming that the GCM is a vital framework for multilateral cooperation on migration, the Secretary-General outlined six priority actions, focusing on protecting human rights, expanding legal migration options, and dismantling criminal networks involved in human trafficking and illegal migration. This ensures that migration governance is "anchored in dignity, humanity, and human rights".
Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Coordinator of the UN Migration Network, emphasized that trust among countries is crucial for maintaining multilateral cooperation and building a fair migration governance system.
She called on the international community to focus on four main objectives, particularly reducing deaths on migration journeys and dismantling human trafficking and illegal migration networks. She urged turning commitments into practical actions to ensure safe and legal migration journeys.
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| Deputy Director of the Consular Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Phan Thi Minh Giang speaking at the general discussion session. (Source: Consular Department) |
Speaking at the general discussion session, Vietnam's representative, Deputy Director General of the Consular Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Phan Thi Minh Giang, noted that global migration continues to evolve complexly. Gaps in migration governance and a lack of legal migration channels make migrants more vulnerable, while human trafficking and illegal migration are becoming increasingly sophisticated with new forms of exploitation related to digital technology and forced participation in criminal activities at scam centers.
In this context, Vietnam recognizes the GCM as an important framework to promote substantive dialogue and cooperation on migration, aligned with the conditions and priorities of each country.
Affirming Vietnam's persistent "balanced, human-centered" approach in migration governance, Phan Thi Minh Giang stated that Vietnam actively implements the GCM Implementation Plan issued in 2020. This includes continuing to improve policies and laws, promoting legal and safe migration options through bilateral labor cooperation, fair recruitment, and reducing migration costs, while accelerating digital transformation in migration management, including building a migration database to support data-driven policy making.
Vietnam's representative also emphasized the need to expand legal and sustainable migration channels, enhance cooperation along migration routes, and promote a victim-centered approach in combating human trafficking and illegal migration. Vietnam is committed to constructive cooperation with partners to promote the implementation of the GCM.
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| Deputy Director General Phan Thi Minh Giang speaking at the roundtable discussion. (Source: Consular Department) |
The forum spanned four days, including roundtable discussions, policy discussions, and plenary sessions. Over 90 countries submitted voluntary reports on reviewing the implementation of the GCM, an increase of about 30% compared to 2022.
Within the framework of the IMRF, the Vietnamese delegation actively participated in discussions, sharing Vietnam's efforts and achievements in implementing the GCM since the first IMRF, and proposing areas for enhanced cooperation in the future. Vietnam also submitted a Voluntary Review Report on the implementation of the GCM.
After four days of work, countries agreed on a Progress Declaration, assessing achievements, existing challenges, and identifying priorities for the next phase to promote safe, orderly, and human-centric migration governance.
The third International Migration Review Forum will take place in 2030
(Source: Consular Department)
