SL would take GCM processes forward: Ambassador

Sri Lanka would endeavour in the best possible way to take the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) processes forward, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez said.

The Ambassador said the GCM which is due to be endorsed at a high level international conference in Marrakesh in December, is not the end but the beginning of the real work.

He made this remark addressing the General Debate of the ongoing 109th Session of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Council in Geneva.

He emphasized the importance of the implementation of the Global Compact by all stakeholders.

He further said that Sri Lanka looked forward to contributing actively to the discussion on the modalities for follow-up and review of progress in the Global Compact early next year.

The GCM, Ambassador Azeez noted, was rooted in achieving SDG’S, adding that it was important to look at how effectively implementation of commitments could take place taking into account the respective regional dynamics and priorities.

Appreciating Sri Lanka’s comments and commending its active leadership to the Abu Dhabi Dialogue and useful contributions to the Colombo Process, the two Regional Consultative Processes (RCPS) that oversaw an annual flow of over 2.5 million labour migrants, Director-general of IOM, Mr. Antonio Vitorino stated that addressing the different priorities and dynamics of RCPS like CP and ADD was extremely relevant to understanding how they could be anchored in the pursuit of the Global Compact commitments. DG Vitorino assured that IOM would be ready to support all RCP endeavours.