UN Migration Network holds annual retreat, discusses 2023 Work Plan & Global Compact for Migration

On 15th February, the United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM) in Sierra Leone held its Annual Retreat at the Place Resort, Tokeh in the Western Area Rural District.

The event which brought together officials from various UN Agencies allowed interesting conversations on the 2023 UNNM Work Plan and key achievements of the Network in supporting the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in the country.

Emphasizing the importance of the GCM, the Head of IOM Sierra Leone a.i, Christos Christodoulides noted that the GCM is a non-binding document that respects states’ sovereign right to determine who enters and stays in their territories and demonstrates a commitment to international cooperation on migration. Mr. Christodoulides added that it presents an opportunity to improve the governance of migration, address the challenges associated with today’s migration, and strengthen the contribution of migrants and migration to sustainable development. He further stated that Sierra Leone did not only participate in the process and adoption of the GCM, but also has demonstrated its commitment to the implementation by pledging to strengthen her partnerships to address issues that are related to Environmental Migration, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction. “This retreat event is intended to update Network members on the progress made, as well as where improvements are needed towards the GCM implementation while building momentum towards a much more engaging Network in support of the government’s GCM implementation’’ Mr. Christodoulides said.

In her statement, Ms. Nadia Rasheed, the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i, and UNFPA Sierra Leone Country Representative said the Retreat is important and timely for UN Agencies to join forces, deliberating and discussing how best they can work together to support migration management and to help the Government achieve the vision of the GCM.  “In resolution 73/195 adopted on 19 July 2019, the General Assembly committed to implementing the Global Compact at the national, regional, and global levels in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the General Assembly welcomed the establishment of the UN Network on Migration to ensure system-wide support for the implementation, follow-up, and review of the Global Compact” she stated.

The event featured Special sessions on the UN Migration Network regional priorities facilitated by Sarah Carl, IOM Regional Advisor, Policy and Liaison, from the IOM Regional Office in Dakar. Also, network members discussed key areas of the work plan and identified emerging recommendations, and priorities for the network.