Acting Director, Social Development, Culture and Sports at the African Union Commission (AUC) Angela Martins has commended Ghana’s efforts in the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration (GCM).
The move, she noted is evident in the recent development and consideration of the country’s National Action Plan on the implementation of the GCM, a step she stressed is exemplary.
“Allow me to commend the Government of the Republic of Ghana that has stood out as one of the leading countries in implementation of the GCM. This is evident in their recent development and consideration of its National Action Plan on the implementation of the GCM. Such a good and exemplary efforts need to emulated by all other AU member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well.”
Mrs. Martins made the remark in her address at a two-day senior officers’ meeting organized by the African Union Commission Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and German Development Cooperation, in Accra.
The meeting was aimed at validating the draft Plan of Action for the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Africa. The validation meeting took place as part of the preparation for the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Migration, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia later this year Ministers will adopt the validated document.
The Plan of Action is expected to provide guidance for the development of National Action Plans across AU member states, affording a harmonized approach in the reporting and reviewing mechanism which is very vital for the continent.
In a presentation at the meeting, Specialised Technical Committee Chair from Zambia, Dr. Japhet Lishomwa said: “As a continent, it is important to have a harmonized approach in implementing this Compact through an operational plan.
This will not only ensure that we jointly identify areas of focus within a given timeline but also ensure we remain coordinated in the review and reporting of the GCM for effective participation in the International Migration Review Forum in New York.”