The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed approval of the European Union’s (EU) new pact on migration and asylum.
During a speech at the Ministerial Conference on the Operationalization of the Pact in Ghent, Belgium, on April 30th, 2024, IOM Director General Amy Pope pledged support to member states in upholding rights.
Pope described the Pact as a significant advancement toward a more thorough approach to managing migration in Europe.
She also offered assistance from IOM in ensuring the pact is implemented in a way that respects rights.
Expertise and cooperation with the EU
The EU Pact has received praise from IOM, and Pope wanted to talk about how the organization can assist in its implementation.
She stated that the goal is to create a migration and asylum system that is stronger and protects the rights of people on the move.
Pope pointed out that IOM’s experience and established partnership with the EU can serve as a basis for providing extra help where needed.
Yet, she stressed that making the Pact work well will demand enough resources and capability to build a stronger and more resilient system, capable of managing crises effectively.
Continued advocacy for holistic approaches
Pope reassured attendees at the conference that IOM will keep advocating for comprehensive approaches to make the most of migration for economic growth and well-being.
This is all while ensuring protection and aid for those in vulnerable situations.
Furthermore, IOM will maintain its close collaboration with partners in countries of origin and transit, addressing the reasons prompting migration and the risks involved in the journey.
Pope emphasized the importance of prioritizing a holistic strategy, where safe and legal routes are emphasized alongside enforcement measures.
Key aspects of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum
The new pact, known as the “New Pact on Migration and Asylum,” aims to establish a coordinated strategy for handling the movement of migrants and asylum seekers within the EU.
Key features include:
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Enhanced border checks using biometric technology such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
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A mandatory solidarity mechanism that requires EU countries to assist each other in managing asylum seekers and migrants.
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Simplified procedures for processing asylum applications from countries with low rates of protection.
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Measures to address potential surges in migration and strategies to prevent organized migration from third countries.
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Introduction of the concept of “secure third countries” in the asylum application process.
Potential human rights issues and implementation challenges
Despite reassurances from EU officials regarding the protection of basic rights, the reforms have faced criticism from civil society groups and human rights organizations.
Worries have been voiced about the possibility of arbitrary detention, heightened racial profiling, and the danger of sending people back to unsafe countries.
Furthermore, experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of putting the reforms into practice. They highlighted the complexity of the new system and potential reluctance from certain member states to fully support it.
In fact, Hungary is one of the vocal opponents of the new migration pact, stating that it might worsen illegal migration.
The pact is encountering challenges in its implementation, facing criticism from various points along the political spectrum.
Navigating challenges and opportunities
As the EU takes steps to put its new pact on migration and asylum into action, the IOM has promised to support its implementation based on rights.
Although the pact aims to improve how migration is handled in Europe by making it more comprehensive and unified, there are still worries about human rights and challenges in putting it into practice.