Committed to engage with SL to ensure migration can promote socioeconomic development: UN

Hanaa Singer, the UN Resident Coordinator, representatives of UN agencies has said the the UN remains committed to engage closely with the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that migration can continue to promote the country’s socioeconomic development whilst safeguarding the rights and well-being of its migrant workers Ms. Singer expressed these views at the launch of the UN Network on Migration in Sri Lanka on Wednesday. It was virtually launched by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Resident Coordinator and 11 UN entities in Sri Lanka in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, officiated as the Chief Guest. The aim of the Network is to promote migration policies that support the well-being of migrants and societies in a coherent, holistic and balanced manner, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is intended to facilitate effective and coordinated support to Sri Lanka towards strengthening of migration policies, including the implementation, monitoring and review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The UN Network on Migration said Sri Lanka was an active contributor to the development of the GCM and been a consistent advocate on its specified aims. “The Government of Sri Lanka looks forward to engaging closely with the UN Network on Migration and our long-standing trusted partner, the international Organization for Migration, drawing on the knowledge and expertise that best benefits the people of Sri Lanka,” said Minister Gunawardane. Under the aegis of the UN Resident Coordinator, IOM serves as the Coordinator and Secretariat of all constituent parts of the Network. Meanwhile, Sarat Dash, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka said, “IOM reaffirms its willingness to support the Sri Lankan Government and therefore, the establishment of this Network is a highly significant development. It will enable IOM, the UN system, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure the safety, dignity and protection of all migrant workers.”