Europe must protect migrants, says IOM to Sweden’s EU presidency
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a statement on January 11 calling on Sweden’s rotating presidency of the European Union to protect those forced to flee their homelands.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a statement published on January 11 that “given the geopolitical, environmental and technological transformations shaping migration and mobility”, it believes that “the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) has opportunity to strengthen partnerships that promote and leverage safe migration and resilience to global shocks, for the benefit of all.”
The organization’s recommendations to Sweden’s government, which holds the EU presidency until June“focus on attracting talent and improving labor mobility channels to the EU; promote partnerships and cooperation between stakeholders at all levels to strengthen the return of migrants and their sustainable reintegration; and support preparedness and adaptation in partner countries most vulnerable to climate change,” according to the statement.
Sweden’s involvement in the matter
“Sweden has committed to a common way forward to advance the negotiations on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum during its presidency,” said Ola Henrikson, IOM Regional Director for the European Economic Area, the European Union and NATO.
“We offer our full support and encourage the spirit of cooperation and collective action needed to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration,” he said in the statement.
Attracting qualified talent through regular channels to the EU can help member states address labor market gaps while providing opportunities for migrants and their families, the organization noted.
It recommended the Swedish Presidency to focus on improving the channels of labor mobility while ensuring the protection of migrant workers and their long-term social and economic inclusion and integration. These efforts should involve all levels of government, civil society and the private sector.
The importance of effective partnerships
Well-functioning partnerships and collaboration between governments, non-governmental, international and private actors are essential to strengthen return and sustainable reintegration, IOM said.
It encouraged the Swedish Presidency to promote the adoption of an integrated, cooperative strategy to strengthen return and promote reintegration.
Local authorities, local public services and non-governmental organizations all have a role to play in optimizing the prospects for rights-based return and sustainable reintegration of migrants in countries of origin, the statement noted.
Finally, given the increasing frequency and intensity of natural hazards with the negative effects of climate change, closer cooperation with partner countries will be essential to implement effective adaptation measures, the IOM said, calling on the Swedish Presidency to increase support to the most vulnerable countries for to help. they prepare and adapt.
Such support should mean better access to sustainable financing for the countries most in need and involve affected groups in decision-making processes on climate action.
The IOM said it looks forward to working with the Swedish presidency during its six-month term and is ready to offer its support and expertise on the issues included in its recommendations.
Read more: Sweden, no migration pact concluded during our EU presidency