UN Launches Network on Migration in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations (UN) in Pakistan officially inaugurated the Pakistan United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) on Monday. This initiative is designed to counter “human trafficking” and enhance “migration governance” within the country.

This launch signifies a substantial move toward a cohesive and cooperative strategy for governing migration. It aims to tackle the interconnected problems of human trafficking and the unlawful smuggling of individuals.

The action is in accordance with global structures, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).

Annually, a significant number of Pakistanis seek better prospects abroad via unauthorized channels, with some tragically perishing in transit.

The event, hosted by UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya, also included the debut of Pakistan’s first Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund programme (MMPTF).

This collaborative program supports national initiatives focused on migration management, governance, and the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling, adopting a comprehensive approach involving government and society.

The MMPTF was created to facilitate the execution of the GCM and functions as the singular pooled funding mechanism dedicated to migration, accessible to all nations.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in its role as coordinator and secretariat of the UN Network on Migration, holds a vital position within the network. The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan will serve as the network’s chair.

The network is set to utilize collaborations throughout the UN system to foster consistent policies and integrate migration policies into broader developmental objectives.

Addressing attendees, UN Resident Coordinator Yahya stated, “The creation of this network demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring migration occurs in a safe, orderly, and regulated manner.”

He added that it offers a crucial platform for reshaping the dialogue surrounding migration, amplifying a unified message, and encouraging the innovation required to overcome the complex challenges associated with mobility and safeguarding the rights of all individuals on the move.

The event incorporated a video message from Jonathan Prentice, Head of the UN Migration Network Secretariat.

Prentice commended Pakistan for its ongoing significant contribution to the global effort aimed at improving migration governance worldwide.

The launch also included the story of a Pakistani migrant who recently returned home after an arduous journey to Europe and has been successfully reintegrated into society.

“Life makes us move. But journeys, either from our home to new destinations or back to our country, should become easier, more dignified,” said Moazzam Ali.

A high-level panel discussion on “Enhancing whole-of-government migration governance in the age of complex mobility dynamics and emerging global challenges” was moderated by Dr Nasra M Shah, Professor of Migration and Development at the Lahore School of Economics.

The panelists featured representatives from various entities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, the National Commission for Human Rights, IOM, and diverse civil society organizations.

The event concluded with an official inauguration, reinforcing a strengthened dedication to collaborative partnerships among stakeholders for migration governance in Pakistan.