UN lauds Philippines in adoption of migration resolution

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations has lauded the Philippines on the historic adoption of a resolution on migration and development.

The Second Committee of the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus on Nov. 21 the resolution on the International Migration and Development and hailed the Philippines for its leadership in the inter-governmental process, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

“The adoption marked a historic feat as, for the first time in five years, the resolution delivers a strong political message in support of migrants all over the world,” the department said.

It noted that many delegates recognized the Philippines’ role as the facilitator of the inter-governmental negotiations on the resolution.

The resolution recognizes the positive contributions of migrants in inclusive growth and sustainable development in countries of origin, transit and destination, including by enriching societies through human, socioeconomic and cultural capacities.

It recognizes the role that migration plays to increase social, cultural and economic ties between nations.

It also acknowledges the positive contribution of young migrants to the sustainable development of countries of origin and destination and encourages states to consider the specific circumstances and needs of young migrants.

While expressing deep concern on the severe and disproportionate impact of the pandemic on migrants, the resolution recalls the positive role and contributions of millions of migrants in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the DFA said.

The resolution elaborates on the importance of remittances as instruments to improve the well-being of recipients and the potential of remittances to reduce poverty, increase access to education, health and improved housing, promote financial inclusion and increase the inflow of foreign currency, as well as ensure food supplies in rural areas.

It recalls, with appreciation, that many countries declared remittances to be essential services and eased regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resolution recognizes the importance of investing in human capital development by promoting entrepreneurship, education, vocational training and skills development programs and partnerships, productive employment creation, in line with labor market needs, with a view to reducing youth unemployment, avoiding brain drain and optimizing brain gain in countries of origin, and harnessing the demographic dividend.

The resolution underlines that international migration is a multidimensional reality and a crosscutting phenomenon of major relevance for the development of countries of origin, transit and destination, which requires coherent and comprehensive responses and balanced approaches.

It acknowledges the complexity of migratory flows and the importance of strengthening joint analysis and sharing of information to better map, understand, predict and address migration movements.