Regional Thematic Working Group on International Migration holds second meeting

From left to right: Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary, ESCAP co-chairing the meeting with Ms. Irena Vojackova-Sollarano, IOM Regional Representative. Far right is Ms. Thelma Kay, Director, Emerging Social Issues Division.

Given the growing importance of the issue of international migration in the Asian and Pacific region, the Regional Thematic Working Group on International Migration, including Human Trafficking was newly reconstituted last September. The Group, currently co-chaired by UNESCAP and IOM, consists of 15 United Nations and intergovernmental agencies which are active in the field of international migration.
The Group held its initial meeting in October to discuss its terms of reference and activities. The second meeting was convened in mid-January 2006.
Having completed a desk review of existing data and research on international migration in the region, the Working Group, concluded that there was a wealth of research conducted in the region on the theme of international migration. Yet few study that provide a comprehensive overview of the state of international migration in the region could be identified.
In promoting well-informed discussion and sound policy making, the preparation of a status/situation report covering all aspects of migration in the region was proposed.
Discussions at the second meeting of the working group focused mainly on this project, which would, among others, enhance understanding of migration issues and make policy recommendations on international migration in the region. It would assist policy makers and practitioners by making available a comprehensive reference material on international migration in Asia-Pacific.
The report would be a timely submission to the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development to be held on 14 and 15 September 2006 in New York; the first ever high-level United Nations event entirely devoted to this topic. In preparing for this event, this Group is also proposing to host a briefing event at the 62nd session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific to be held at Jakarta from 6 to 12 April on the High-Level Dialogue. For more information; please visit www.un.org/esa/population/hldmigration