2024-08-07 09:37:17
The security response “is not the solution”, in the sense that it leads to dehumanization, refoulement and the externalization of a migratory burden on States that do not have the vocation to be “migration policemen”, affirmed the ambassador, permanent representative of Morocco in Geneva, Omar Zniber, who delivered the kingdom’s statement during the 113th session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which was held from November 28 to December 2.
“The management of migratory flows must in this sense be based on solidarity, cooperation and partnership,” he said, noting that the objective lies in promoting a common vision of a phenomenon that is as natural as it is structuring, and this, within an appropriate framework, that of the Marrakech Global Compact.
Recalling that the full implementation of the Marrakech Pact is only possible through a “regional implementation”, the diplomat noted that Africa is paying a heavy price in terms of migration, both humanly and financially.
Indeed, he explained, while the continent produces only 24% of international migrants, “a third of the deaths identified along migratory routes are made up of our African nationals.”
In Mr. Zniber’s view, Africa is the continent most affected by the new phenomenon of climate migrants, with similar consequences for forced displacement, livelihoods and the resilience of societies.
Detailing the various measures taken by Morocco in this area, the diplomat noted that the Kingdom has not been content with defending respect for the rights of migrants and their integration, but has been committed since 2013 to the implementation of a national immigration and asylum strategy, a pioneer in the region, dealing as much with discourse, rescue at sea, regularization, as with integration.
Thus, Morocco has set up an African Migration Observatory, as well as concluded a headquarters agreement for the establishment in Rabat of an office of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), he said.
Regarding sea rescue, Mr. Zniber noted that Morocco is among the few countries to have a standard procedure framework for a system of orientation and care for migrants, developed with the assistance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, adding that the Moroccan authorities were able to rescue more than 60,000 migrants between 2018 and 2020.
In the same vein, the diplomat indicated that the Kingdom has conducted two regularization campaigns for the benefit of 50,000 people, from Africa (95%) and the Arab world (5%), noting that Morocco has just concluded a framework partnership agreement with the High Commission for Refugees, with a view to promoting access for refugees and migrants to health and social protection.
2024-08-07 09:37:17