Joint Response to Mixed Migration

I am delighted to join Minister Nuhodžić, in opening this briefing on Mixed Migration, particularly, in the context of UN Reform, launched by the UN Secretary General this year and  the ‘next generation’ of the UN Resident Coordinator System.

Along with most subjects I speak on, this issue falls squarely within Agenda 2030 and the commitment member states made to the Sustainable Development Goals.

For example, target 10.7 calls for Member States, among other things, ‘to cooperate internationally to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration’ and throughout the global goals call on us ‘to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and those who may be left behind’.

I am pleased to note the close joint working of our two UN agencies, the UN Refugee Agency– UNHCR - and the International Organisation for Migration – IoM – with government on managing mixed migration in Montenegro. This includes ensuring the rights of people seeking asylum and more vulnerable migrants who may be subject of trafficking or require additional support and assistance.  We also work together on issues of integration and safe return for those not entitled to remain for those not entitled to remain.

Today you will hear detailed presentations on all aspects of the Joint Response to Mixed Migration and hear views on the future perspective.  Many conclusions coming from a joint planning session held in Budva in June, that I was lucky to attend.  At the meeting I was struck by the broad representation and open debate and discussion that occurred.  Police and border officials, municipal staff, managers of accommodation facilities, representatives from health and social services, staff from the ministry, IOM and UNHCR as well as NGOs and Local civil society organizations all shared their concerns and through facilitated discussion agreed on immediate needs and measures that can pave the way for country’s further steps in addressing this issue. It is these recommendations that form the basis of subsequent presentations you will hear this morning.

Two final points in closing,

Secretary General Guterres rightly calls migration one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. It is not only an issue that can stir up the worst forms of hate speech and stories of human tragedy but also one of hope and huge optimism.  The contribution many migrants and refugees make to thriving urban economies, not only through intellect and skills gained from newcomers but also in the change this in turn brings in openness and new perspectives with societies.

He has also led in stressing the importance of partnership which is at the heart of Global Compact on Refugees and Global Compact for Migration, the first-ever co-UN global agreements on a common approach to mixed migration flows in all their dimensions. The two Global Compacts particularly recognize the essential roles played by many actors, including Governments, civil society, academia, trade unions, the private sector, diaspora groups, local communities, parliamentarians, national human rights institutions and the in dealing with mixed migration.

Your participation in today’s event is a clear demonstration of understanding and strong commitment to jointly tackle the growing challenge of mixed migration in this country.

Thank you.