Latest news with #GlobalCompactforMigration
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: Uganda Leads the African Union on Refugee and Migration Policy
A Ugandan security officer stands guard as truck drivers go through the Uganda's immigration office in Malaba, a city bordering with Kenya, in Uganda, on April 29, 2020. All truck drivers ferrying goods crossing the border from Kenya must take a test for the COVID-19 by Ugandan health officials and wait 24 hours to get the result. After entering Uganda, the driver must stay inside the truck, only allowed to get off to unload at the destination. Uganda stands out for its progressive refugee policy, a cornerstone of its leadership in refugee affairs. This policy, which has been carefully crafted through legal and institutional frameworks championed by Kampala and endorsed by AU assemblies, grants refugees rights often denied elsewhere. These rights include freedom of movement, access to land for agriculture, and the right to work, education, and healthcare. As a result, Uganda hosts approximately 1.85 million refugees as of May 2025, the highest number in Africa. Uganda's established credibility and extensive experience in managing forced displacement led to its selection as the host for the inaugural African Humanitarian Agency. This decision was made during the 45th AU Executive Council in July 2024, with Uganda securing 85.66% of the votes, demonstrating the AU's confidence in its leadership. The agency, scheduled to commence operations in the 2025/26 fiscal year, will be responsible for coordinating humanitarian response efforts across the continent. This initiative highlights Uganda's influential role in shaping the AU's migration governance framework. From Progressive Policy to Continental Prestige Uganda has gone beyond merely hosting, actively shaping AU-wide policy by reframing migration as a developmental issue rather than a security threat. This pivotal definitional shift, championed by Uganda through the AU's Labour, Employment and Migration Division, was highlighted at a June 2024 AU event validating a three-year plan for the Global Compact for Migration, where stakeholders were reminded that "African Migration is a developmental issue not a security issue." This approach has significantly influenced AU discourse and directives, including the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) and Agenda 2063, firmly rooting refugee and migrant frameworks in the contexts of shared economic growth, education, and public health. Development over Detention: Shaping AU Migration Thinking Uganda's commitment extends beyond mere rhetoric, as evidenced by Kampala's proactive implementation of community-based solutions. The Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP) exemplifies this by linking support for settlements with local host communities in northern districts like Adjumani, Arua, Kiryandongo, and Yumbe. Through the rebuilding of schools, roads, and health facilities, Uganda fosters integration and minimises friction between hosts and refugees. This approach has become a template cited in AU policy discussions and replication models throughout East Africa. Uganda demonstrated its leadership in migrant health by facilitating a continental convergence on a shared Migration and Health Strategy at the AU-IOM technical workshops in Kampala in December 2024. This initiative not only showcased Uganda's innovative national approaches but also its ability to convene multi-stakeholder processes. The Kampala dialogue, specifically, resulted in a roadmap to strengthen migrant health across origin, transit, and destination states, signifying a move away from previously fragmented policy responses. Local Solutions with Global Lessons Uganda offers inspiring examples of grassroots initiatives. The Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre, established in 2022 within Africa's largest refugee settlement, fosters healing and social cohesion through creative expression. This center empowers Congolese and South Sudanese youth to overcome trauma through performance, music, and entrepreneurship, cultivating resilience. Similarly, urban programs such as YARID in Kampala equip urban refugees with vocational training and technology, promoting self-reliance and societal contributions. These local successes are frequently highlighted in AU policy discussions as scalable models. Uganda's leadership is currently facing significant challenges. The country is shouldering an immense burden due to diminishing international aid. In May 2025, the World Food Programme ceased providing food rations to nearly one million refugees, as only 46% of the 2024 Refugee Response Plan received funding. Despite these difficulties, Kampala has maintained its open-door policy and has intensified its appeals at AU summits, including Africa Day 2025, where officials reiterated the nation's dedication to refugee integration. Weathering the Storm: Challenges, Diplomacy, and What Lies Ahead Uganda is actively involved in discussions with AU member states and international partners to share its approach. For example, it has engaged with the European Union via the AU-EU-UN tripartite task force, concentrating on lasting solutions, repatriation policies, and an examination of the root causes of forced migration. Despite some disagreements, such as the EU's exploration of "return hubs" similar to those discussed in Rwanda and Uganda, the Kampala model emphasises rights, integration, and collective responsibility. Uganda is set to remain a key player in shaping continental policy in 2025. With the African Humanitarian Agency now active, Uganda will strengthen coordination and lead humanitarian diplomacy among AU member states. This includes implementing frameworks for internally displaced persons through the Kampala Convention and for migrant health via the MPFA and Global Compact. Uganda's achievements, from rural settlements to urban projects, demonstrate that inclusive, rights-based refugee policies are not just morally sound but also economically and socially beneficial. Uganda actively shapes the African Union's narrative, demonstrating deliberate authorship rather than passive compliance. Kampala effectively integrates policy and practice by hosting institutional mandates, re-framing migration as a developmental force, and creating integration models that overcome resource scarcity. As AU members confront new displacement crises in regions like the Horn and the Sahel, Uganda's leadership serves as both a beacon and a blueprint. It underscores the critical importance of placing refugee and migration governance at the core of Africa's future, rather than at its margins. Written By: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Sesona Mdlokovana Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group African Specialist ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
Maroc
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
51st OIC FM Council Hails HM the King's Efforts in Favor of Africa
The Foreign Ministers of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), meeting on June 21–22 in Istanbul for the 51st session of their Council, commended the initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God Assist Him, aimed at granting Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean. The Islamic Foreign Ministers emphasized the strategic importance of this Royal Initiative, which falls within the framework of Morocco's active solidarity with its African sister nations in general, and the Sahel region in particular. They also praised the Initiative of the Atlantic African States, launched by His Majesty the King, may God Glorify Him, as an African partnership process aimed at strengthening cooperation and integration among African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, with the goal of fostering peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region. In this regard, the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers also lauded the role of His Majesty King Mohammed VI as the African Union's Leader on Migration, as well as Morocco's continued role as a "Champion Country" for the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration. In the area of counterterrorism, the ministers welcomed the designation of the Kingdom of Morocco by the United Nations as a partner to host the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa, inaugurated on June 24, 2021, in Rabat. They also praised Morocco's experience through its chairmanship of the Africa Focus Group within the Global Coalition against Daesh, and all efforts undertaken by the Kingdom at both regional and international levels. On this occasion, Morocco was elected as a member of the OIC's Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission for a three-year term, in recognition of the Kingdom's prominent role in promoting and protecting human rights both nationally and internationally. (MAP: 23 June 2025)
CBC
24-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Maxime Bernier says PPC would cut foreign aid to shrink government spending
Social Sharing Maxime Bernier and the People's Party of Canada launched their official campaign from Saint-Georges, Que., on Monday, focused on slashing government spending while halting immigration. "We need to stop that to preserve our culture, our standard of living, our economy," Bernier said. The former Conservative MP for Beauce is pitching his party — which strongly opposed COVID-19 lockdowns — as the "real conservatives" in this federal election. In a scorched-earth exit from the Conservative Party of Canada in 2018 to found the People's Party of Canada (PPC), Bernier accused his former party of being too "intellectually and morally corrupt" to be reformed. Bernier outlined on Monday the four pillars of the PPC platform: pausing immigration, ending what he described as "woke" policies, boosting the economy by cutting spending and implementing policies related to national security. "Our country is broken," Bernier said, noting that he would withdraw Canada from United Nations commitments, such as The Paris Agreement, the World Health Organization and the Global Compact for Migration. "We won't fight in Ukraine. We will also cut foreign aid and bring that money home," the Saint-Georges native said. Bernier devoted parts of his speech to take aim at Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for changing their positions on carbon pricing and for supporting carbon capture and storage, which the PPC leader described as costly and "inefficient technology." Cutting federal funding for CBC/Radio-Canada is another key element of Bernier's plan to reduce government spending, he said. "If CBC is going bankrupt, that's OK. We're in a capitalist system," he said. Abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion Shortly before his departure from the Conservative Party, Bernier made controversial comments online, criticizing the Trudeau government for allegedly pursuing " extreme multiculturalism," statements which several commentators have called xenophobic and racist. In 2019, he faced criticism for tweets describing then 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg as "mentally unstable," although he later softened his comments. Bernier vowed on Monday that his party would fight to ensure Canadian citizenship remains a "privilege." He invoked the dog whistle"woke-ism" — a catch-all term used pejoratively to describe everything from support for anti-racist measures and progressive policies to virtue-signalling. He said on Monday that his party would have "concrete policies" to fight the ambiguous notion but stopped short of explaining what those policies would be, beyond halting government spending related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. "Diversity, equity and inclusion — it is not in line with our Western civilization values," Bernier said. "We need to promote unity, equalization of rights and meritocracy." Bernier has been accused of courting far-right, conspiratorial racists, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and appeared on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones's podcast as recently as March 22. The PPC has denied that people with " extreme views" are welcome in the party.
Morocco World
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's CNDH, DGSN Partner on Migrant Rights Training
Rabat – The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) have introduced a new training of trainers (ToT) program to strengthen human rights protections in law enforcement. The first session, scheduled for February 24, will focus on migration and Morocco's international obligations regarding the rights of migrants. Held at the CNDH headquarters in Rabat, the training will bring together 20 law enforcement officials and human rights experts to examine key migration-related issues. The program will cover international legal frameworks, including the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Global Compact for Migration, and national legislation. Discussions will also address Morocco's engagement with UN treaty bodies, national migration and asylum policies, and ways to align law enforcement practices with international human rights standards. The training reflects ongoing efforts to integrate human rights principles into police work. By equipping officers with knowledge of legal obligations and best practices, the program looks to improve interactions with migrants and ensure greater compliance with national and international standards. Participants will explore real-life cases, analyze current challenges, and discuss strategies for protecting migrant rights while maintaining public security. This initiative expands on previous training efforts under the CNDH-DGSN partnership, which initially focused on preventing torture. It is part of an institutional cooperation agreement signed on September 14, 2022, which aims to improve law enforcement training and capacity building. By reinforcing human rights in police training, the program aims to improve professional standards, promote accountability, and help Morocco's larger efforts to adopt regulations that safeguard the rights of all citizens, regardless of migrant status. Tags: African MigrantsDGSNhuman rightsMorocco's CNDH
Daily News Egypt
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egyptian Foreign Minister meets with IOM, ILO, ITU heads in Geneva
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with the heads of three United Nations agencies in Geneva on Monday, discussing issues ranging from migration management to digital transformation and labour standards. His meetings included sessions with Amy Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM); Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO); and Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). During his meeting with Pope, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's appreciation for its longstanding cooperation with the IOM on comprehensive migration management and sustainable development, aligning with the Global Compact for Migration. He outlined Egypt's holistic migration strategy, addressing both security and developmental aspects and focusing on the root causes of irregular migration. He highlighted Egypt's concerns about the deteriorating political and humanitarian situations in neighbouring countries, exacerbated by conflict, political crises, and climate change, leading to increased displacement and migration flows into Egypt. 'Egypt hosts over 9 million migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers,' Minister Abdelatty noted, emphasising the strain on the national budget and host communities due to the inadequacy of international support. He reiterated Egypt's call for intensified international efforts to ensure fair and sustainable burden-sharing and responsibility-sharing, urging the IOM to support Egypt in managing migrant influxes and bolstering its migration management efforts. He also reviewed Egypt's ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, in line with its national strategy, and discussed joint cooperation to support early recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming Egypt's rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians and underscoring UNRWA's crucial mandate. Minister Abdelatty's meeting with Houngbo focused on Egypt's development efforts and collaboration with the ILO. He commended the excellent cooperation between Egypt and the ILO, highlighting the Cairo office's role in implementing various projects. He expressed Egypt's desire to strengthen this cooperation to support employment, decent work, and improve the working environment, attracting investments and aligning with Egypt's Vision 2030. The minister reviewed positive developments in Egypt's labour environment, including the establishment of over 50 new trade unions last year and efforts to finalise a draft law on domestic workers. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to promoting international labour standards, citing the recent ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention and expressing a desire to utilise the ILO's technical support in implementing its obligations. Finally, Minister Abdelatty met with Bogdan-Martin, praising the longstanding relationship between Egypt and the ITU and the Cairo office's role in implementing joint projects. He affirmed Egypt's active participation in ITU mechanisms and activities, including its Council membership, and expressed a desire to expand cooperation in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and its digital strategy. He reviewed Egypt's efforts in implementing its digital strategy, including building a digital economy, developing digital infrastructure, and promoting digital transformation, as well as digitising government services and supporting technological innovation and entrepreneurship. He noted the government's belief in the vital role of the information and communications technology sector in attracting investment and encouraging global companies to expand in Egypt. The meeting also addressed artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, with Minister Abdelatty expressing Egypt's desire to cooperate with the ITU to maximise the benefits of AI applications and find innovative solutions to societal challenges. He highlighted the establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence in 2019, the launch of the national AI strategy in 2021, and the forthcoming launch of its second version.
