The United Nations -UN Secretary-General, António Guterres has joined the International Organization for Migration – IOM’s António Vitorino team to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the organization.
The UN Secretary-General congratulated the dedicated team for their commitment to helping millions of migrants and displaced people, as well as supporting countries to create the conditions for safe, orderly, and regular migration.
According to Guterres, with record numbers of people on the move, we have witnessed unique moments of compassion towards migrants stranded far from home who were often subjected to discrimination, xenophobia, abuse, and exploitation.
He described such a situation as completely unacceptable adding that Migrants must be treated with respect and dignity. Their rights must be protected, regardless of their status.
The UN Scribe however called on all countries of origin, transit, and destination to work to reestablish predictable and regular migration pathways.
He further praised the Coordinator of the United Nations Network on Migration, IOM for doing invaluable work by bringing the entire United Nations system together to support migrants, based on the Global Compact for Migration.
While saying that the International Migration Review Forum would reflect on progress and challenges when it converges together next year added that they should seize the opportunity to foster global solidarity towards migrants and build more resilient and inclusive societies.
