At the MOU signing ceremony (Photo by Han Htay Aung)

UNESCAP and IOM strengthen cooperation on international migration

UNESCAP and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 20 June to further strengthen the close collaboration between the two organizations. The MOU establishes a general framework for cooperation and coordination on international migration issues that are of growing importance to countries in the Asian and Pacific region.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary, UNESCAP said: “The Memorandum of Understanding will formalize our long-standing collaboration with IOM and harmonize our respective activities on international migration and development”.

IOM’s Regional Representative for South-East Asia, Ms. Irena Vojackova-Sollorano stated: “This agreement will allow us to develop joint initiatives at a time when international migration is being recognized as a major factor contributing to development in the region. Migration management challenges such as human trafficking remain and need to be curbed through concerted and coordinated action”.

UNESCAP and IOM are current co-chairs of the Regional Thematic Working Group on International Migration including Human Trafficking – a regional coordination mechanism set up by 16 United Nations agencies and other relevant international and intergovernmental organizations.