Affairs of the Republic of South Africa, at Roundtable One: Effects of
international migration on economic and social development
14 September 2006
Chairperson
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government of
Republic of South Africa, to extend our appreciation to the General Assembly,
in particular to Secretary General Kofi Annan, and his special representative,
Mr Peter Sutherland, for their commendable efforts in the realisation of this
High Level Dialogue. We would also like to thank all the partners for their
contribution through the various regional and multi-lateral processes, for
their preparations.
International migration is a global issue and requires a comprehensive
global response. We must take into account the overall experience of migrants,
and the impact of migration on the countries where migrants come from, the
countries that they go to, and the countries that they pass through. In
relation to this, we must recognise the differential developmental impact that
migration has had and continues to have. We recognise too that economically
developed countries have been the primary beneficiaries of global
migration.
Whilst we recognise the value of regional approaches and processes, and
actively participate in our own process in southern Africa, we firmly believe
that the most effective way to address the issue of international migration and
development is through the establishment of a global mechanism or institution
within the United Nations system. Such a mechanism or institution will
complement and support efforts at national, sub-regional and regional
levels.
When we consider the nexus between migration and development, we should
place as much emphasis on its social effects as on its economic effects. This
necessitates that we locate the root causes of poverty and under-development at
the centre of our deliberations.
The United Nations (UN) Millennium Declaration, under the heading Meeting
the Special Needs of Africa, as well as the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD), emphasise the implementation of very specific measures to
eradicate poverty and unemployment. These measures include: debt cancellation,
improved market access, enhanced Official Development Assistance, increased
flows of Foreign Direct Investment, as well as the transfers of technology.
This partnership must be strengthened, and the implementation of the measures
must be accelerated if we want to ensure sustainable development, and to reduce
recourse to forced and irregular migration and refugee flight. The resumption
of the negotiations on an equitable international trade dispensation in the
World Trade Organisation (WTO) is equally important in this regard.
We recognise that legitimate security concerns linked to international
migration exists in virtually all parts of the world. Our focus and concern in
the migration debate is and should remain on the relationship between
migration, development and poverty alleviation.
South Africa acknowledges the need for the sharing of responsibility if we
want to optimise the benefits and mitigate the negative effects of
international migration. In this process must we ensure that the managing of
migration is not shifted to developing nations as this would impose a further
burden on these states.
Comprehensive policies, durable strategies, honest dialogue and effective
partnerships are necessary if we want to make international migration a tool
for development for both sending and destination countries.
I thank you.
Enquiries: Communication
Tel: (012) 810 8613
Issued by: Ministry of Home Affairs
14 September 2006
Source: Department of Home Affairs (http://www.dha.gov.za)
