New york: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has underscored the significance of migration and the protection of migrants and seafarers during his address at the special plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held at the UN headquarters. Marcos highlighted that migration serves as a beneficial force and that migrants play a crucial role in advancing sustainable development in their countries of origin, transit, and destination.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized that migrants, including seafarers, act as a bridge connecting nations. He asserted that the rights of migrants should act as a unifying factor among countries rather than creating division. He called for the dignity and rights of migrants to be upheld globally, advocating for a collective effort by governments worldwide.
Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, urging the international community to lend their support to the forthcoming International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). The Second IMRF is scheduled from May 5 to 8 at the UN headquarters and will serve as a critical global platform to evaluate progress and share best practices in implementing the Global Compact for Migration.
In response to the funding challenges faced by the UN, Marcos voiced the Philippines' support for reforms aimed at enabling the UN to fulfill its mandates more effectively while reducing bureaucracy and fragmentation.