Uganda Calls for Inclusive and Dignified Migration Policies at 115th IOM Council Session

Geneva, November 26, 2024– Speaking at the High-Level Segment of the 115th Session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council, Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun Davinia, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to advancing safe, orderly, and regular migration.

The segment, themed “Regular Migration Pathways: A Global Call for Action,” provided a platform to address critical challenges and opportunities in global migration governance.

In her address, Hon. Anyakun underscored Uganda’s leadership in advancing regional migration strategies, highlighting the nation’s commitment to harmonized policies that promote labour mobility and address climate-induced displacement.

Uganda’s active role in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and East African Community protocols has facilitated the free movement of labour, goods, and services. Central to these efforts is the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change, a pioneering framework for addressing climate-induced migration comprehensively.

Uganda’s open-door policy continues to provide refuge for over 1.7 million refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants fleeing conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. With frameworks aligned to international laws, Uganda ensures protection and integration into local communities, offering access to essential services and opportunities. Additionally, the nation takes a robust approach to combat irregular migration, leveraging the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, advanced technology, and multi-agency coordination to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

To enhance labour migration pathways, Uganda has signed bilateral labour agreements with countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, safeguarding the rights of its workers abroad. Plans are underway to expand these agreements to high-skilled sectors, boosting economic returns for Ugandan citizens. Consular support services, including legal aid and emergency repatriation, remain critical to protecting Ugandans overseas.

Recognizing the importance of robust data systems, Uganda prioritizes data-driven policy development with technical support from IOM. Enhanced migration data collection and analysis will align national policies with global standards, fostering safe migration pathways and promoting regional collaboration.

Hon. Anyakun concluded by calling for global collaboration to mobilize resources, align policies and build resilient frameworks that facilitate safe migration. She reiterated Uganda’s dedication to integrating migrants into communities and promoting inclusive and dignified migration policies, ensuring no one is left behind.