on Migration
8 September 2006
Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa�Nqakula, South African Minister of Home Affairs, is to
address the United Nations on behalf of the G77 and China, regarding
international migration and development
The forthcoming United Nations High Level Dialogue on Migration and
Development, scheduled for the 14 - 15 September 2006, marks a historic event
in the history of the United Nations. For the first time in its history, global
players in the field of migration will meet at the UN to begin deliberate
responses to the challenges of migration as stimulator to development. This is
in accordance with UN resolution 58/208 of 23rd December 2003 of the General
Assembly.
The purpose of the dialogue is to discuss the ways in which international
migration, often approached from a security perspective, can actually
contribute to the development of sending and destination countries and to
migrants themselves.
The High Level Dialogue will focus, among other issues, on the following
matters:
* the effects of international migration on economic and social
development
* measures to ensure respect for and protection of the human rights of all
migrants and to prevent and combat smuggling of migrants and trafficking in
persons
* various multi�dimensional aspects of international migration and development,
including remittances
* promoting the building of partnerships and capacity building and the sharing
of best practices at all levels, including bilateral and regional levels, for
the benefits of countries and migrants alike.
The developing world has not been able to share equitably in the benefits of
globalisation. The nexus between migration and development necessitate an
approach that will result in co-development, meaning it has benefits for both
sending and destination countries and migrants. The High Level Dialogue
convened by, and taking place within, the United Nations provides an ideal
multilateral platform to deliberate this important matter, raise awareness of
the development dimension of migration and to share examples of successful
practices.
South Africa is the current chair of the G77 and China group (134 states)
within the UN. It will articulate the interests of the developing world on
international migration and development at the UN. It will also participate as
a Member State of the UN and, as will other participating UN Member States,
articulate its perspectives on the key topics and earmarked deliberations.
Enquires:
Ms Cleo Mosana
Tel: (012) 810 8942
Mobile: 082 902 8796
E-mail: Cleo.Mosana@dha.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
8 September 2006
Source: Department of Home Affairs (http://www.dha.gov.za)
