United Nations Network on Migration Holds First Meeting in Sudan, Aiming to Bolster Cooperation Between Agencies on Migration Issues
The UN Network on Migration was established by the UN Secretary-General, as an internal coordination mechanism of UN entities working together to provide effective and coordinated system-wide support to Member States in the implementation, follow-up and review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator Ms. Khardiata Lo N’Diaye, the acting UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Axel Bisschop, and the IOM Chief of Mission in Sudan, Ms. Catherine Northing.
During her opening remarks, Ms. Lo N’Diaye emphasized the importance of the Network in Sudan in bringing the capacity and strengths of the UN in support of migration policies, programmes and interventions that support the well-being of migrants and societies and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sudan.
“The Network is an opportunity to enhance the UN collaboration and efforts in Sudan to support the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration and in supporting vulnerable migrants and harnessing the contribution of migrants to Sudan’s development,” said Khardiata Lo N’diaye.
The meeting provides an opportunity to coordinate and harness the capacities of the UN Network on Migration in Sudan, bringing the capacity and strengths of the UN system in support of policies, programmes, and interventions throughout the country, and to support the implementation of the GCM objectives, with emphasis on issues where a common UN system approach would add value.
“The establishment of the UN Network in Sudan is a highly significant development. It will allow IOM, the UN system, and other partners to work together to ensure migration is a positive force for development in Sudan,” stated Catherine Northing, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission.
The UN Network on Migration, guided by the principles of the GCM, ensures effective, timely, and coordinated system-wide support to Member States. It prioritizes the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of migrants and their communities of destination, origin, and transit. It implements a common UN system approach to human mobility; allowing all UN organizations to work in synergy to address migration-related issues and identify priority areas for joint programming.
“The GCM sets out the guiding principles, commitments and understandings among Member States regarding international migration. Sudan is one of the key countries in the region when it comes to migration, due to its migratory routes. It is very important that all UN agencies work together as a team and share data, as without data, it is impossible to build an evidence-based narratives that are credible, and support programming and policies in a way that is effective and relevant”, said Axel Bisshop, acting UN Resident Coordinator.
As the Network Coordinator and Secretariat, IOM Sudan is responsible for convening and co-chairing Network meetings, working with Network members to identify priorities and opportunities, liaising with the RC, global and regional partners, and facilitating the Networks’ support through capacity building, and coordinate the preparation of the annual workplan, and ensure holistic implementation of the GCM’s 23 objectives and the achievement of the SDGs.
UN Network Members in Sudan include FAO, IFAD, ILO, IOM, UNDAIDS, OCHA, OHCHR, PBSO, UNICEF, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNESCO, UN Women, UNEP, UNHCR, Un Habitat, UNIDO, UNODC, UNFPA, WFP, World Bank, and WHO.
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For more information, please contact, IOM Sudan, Email: IOMSudanmedia@iom.int or Sudan UN Network on Migration Email: SudanMigrationNetwork@iom.in
