Elma Saiz inaugura el V Foro Iberoamericano de Migración y Desarrollo: “Ninguna democracia puede permitirse normalizar la deshumanización del otro”

The Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, has presided over the inauguration of the V Ibero-American Forum on Migration and Development that is held in Huelva on June 4 and 5, and that will establish the shared challenges while formulating guidelines that strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the participating countries.

The first day has addressed the need to protect the human rights of people in mobility and the importance of socioeconomic inclusion and integration in host societies, something in which Minister Saiz has put the focus. It also means combating racism and hate speech, because no democracy can afford to normalize the dehumanization of the other,” said the minister in her inaugural speech.

She has also recognized the need to focus the dialogue on human mobility policies as a strategic component of regional governance, as well as the importance of the social and economic integration of Ibero-America “whose future will be built through human, economic and cultural ties, not by building walls.”

The meeting has the presence of 22 delegations from Ibero-American countries. Representatives of international organizations and civil society also attend.

“Migration is a reality that we must tackle together with intelligence, humanity and cooperation. Twenty years after the adoption of the Montevideo Commitment, the effective management of human mobility has become even more relevant as a key element for social welfare and regional cohesion, so we must commit to protection and inclusion policies and we must do it together”, said Saiz.

Human rights

During the first day of the forum, the protection of the human rights of people in mobility has been addressed, with an analysis focused on strategies to prevent irregular migration and reduce the associated vulnerability factors. The interventions have emphasized the need to strengthen protection systems throughout the migration process, as well as the role of international cooperation to ensure effective respect for fundamental rights.

In addition, during the second panel devoted to socio-economic inclusion and integration in host societies, different experiences have been shared in areas such as access to employment, education, training or basic services. The debate highlighted the importance of cohesion policies and the prevention of discrimination, as well as the key role of diasporas and Ibero-American migrants as active agents of integration, facilitating networks of support, knowledge exchange and development in the host countries.

Friday will focus on the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration routes, with the analysis of labor migration and circular mobility programs adapted to the needs of the labor markets. Likewise, the role of narratives and the public perception of migration will be addressed, with an approach aimed at promoting evidence-based communication that contributes to improving social cohesion and enhancing the contribution of migration to the development of the region.

Migratory governance

The Huelva Forum seeks to strengthen the exchange of experiences between Ibero-American countries on the protection, inclusion and management of migratory flows, promoting a common approach based on respect for human rights. Throughout the sessions, policies and practices aimed at guaranteeing the protection of people in mobility, as well as promoting their labor, educational and social integration, are analyzed from a perspective that recognizes the value of migration for the development of host societies.

In addition, the meeting will identify spaces for regional technical cooperation and reinforce the commitment to promote safe, orderly and regular migration routes, respecting national competences and attending to the needs of each context. In this context, the importance of improving the public perception of migration and recognizing the role of Ibero-American migrants as key agents of development, cohesion and connection between countries will be highlighted, contributing to the construction of more inclusive, dynamic and supportive societies.

Preparations for the Summit

The Forum, which is included in the preparatory work for the XXX Ibero-American Summit, is organized by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration together with the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB). Spain chairs the Pro Tempore Secretariat of the XXX Summit of Heads of State, which will be held in Madrid on November 4 and 5 and whose motto is ‘Ibero-America. Together we build our Community. Together we project it into the future and into the world.’