Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, recently met with the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, during her visit to the country. The discussions centered around the cooperation between Egypt and the IOM and the importance of managing migration effectively to achieve sustainable development in line with the Global Compact for Migration.
Comprehensive Approach to Migration Governance
During the meeting, Minister Shoukry emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to migration governance that goes beyond security aspects to also address development issues and tackle the root causes of illegal immigration. He highlighted Egypt’s increasing challenge of accommodating migrants fleeing their countries due to conflicts, economic reasons, or climate change impacts, which have led to a significant rise in the number of immigrants entering Egypt.
Support from the International Community
Shoukry also pointed out that Egypt has not received adequate support from the international community to handle the influx of migrants and provide them with a decent standard of living. This support is crucial, especially considering the strain on the Egyptian economy due to global crises. The minister stressed the importance of the IOM’s role in providing necessary assistance to address these challenges effectively.
Cooperation on Climate Change and Migration
Pope expressed gratitude for Egypt’s cooperation on issues related to climate change and its impact on migration, particularly during Egypt’s presidency of COP27. The discussions also touched upon supporting and operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund to help states mitigate the devastating effects of climate change on migration flows. Both parties explored opportunities for collaboration between Egypt and the IOM in Africa to address migration challenges in the region.
Humanitarian Aid and Support for Displaced Persons
The meeting also addressed the situation in Gaza, with a focus on providing humanitarian aid and safe havens for displaced individuals. Pope commended Egypt for its reception of a large number of displaced Sudanese nationals amid the crisis in Sudan. She acknowledged Egypt’s efforts in supporting those fleeing conflict and meeting their needs, emphasizing the importance of continued support for Sudanese refugees.
IOM’s Commitment to Supporting Egypt
Pope reiterated the IOM’s readiness to assist Egypt in enhancing its capacity to care for Sudanese refugees in collaboration with relevant ministries. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to preventing Sudan from becoming a forgotten crisis and underscored the importance of ongoing support for displaced populations in the region.
Looking Ahead
The discussions between Minister Shoukry and Director General Pope underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing migration challenges, particularly in regions experiencing conflicts, economic instability, and climate change impacts. Egypt’s commitment to comprehensive migration governance and sustainable development aligns with the goals outlined in the Global Compact for Migration, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of migrants and host communities alike.