Elma Saiz reafirma el compromiso de España con el Pacto Mundial para una Migración Segura, Ordenada y Regular en la Comisión Económica de las Naciones Unidas

The Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, has inaugurated in Geneva the Second Regional Review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration at the United Nations Economic Commission in Geneva. Saiz thus begins a two-day trip that ends tomorrow in Brussels after the joint session of the councils of ECOFIN (Economic and Financial Affairs) and EPSCO (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers).

Before the United Nations Economic Commission, Elma Saiz has reiterated the commitment of the Spanish Government to the Global Pact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and has valued the progress made to implement the objectives of the Pact in Spain. “This Pact is a fundamental tool to improve international cooperation on migration issues,” said Saiz, who insisted that migration policies “must involve all actors, civil society, national and also regional and local governments.”

“The objectives of the Pact permeate our migration policy, namely respect for human rights, especially of the most vulnerable, the fight against migrant trafficking networks, the search for new ways of regular migration and inclusion of migrants, and the preventive approach that addresses the root causes of irregular migration,” he said.

In this second Regional Review of the Global Compact for Safe Migration, the Minister of Inclusion has pledged to move forward in the implementation of the triple development-humanitarianpeace nexus, in the gender perspective and the fight against sexual violence, and in supporting climate financing in humanitarian contexts.

“With our commitments, we set the way for Spain to remain a safe and accessible place, as well as international solidarity, for an increasing number of people who need to rebuild their lives in conditions of dignity and humanity, leaving no one behind,” said Saiz.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Elma Saiz has met with Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who has addressed current refugee challenges, both nationally and internationally. The minister has shared the policies implemented in Spain in the field of asylum and refuge, such as the increase in the number of places in our reception system and the gender perspective that is printed throughout the process.

In addition, Saiz has reiterated the commitment “to the countries of first reception that face extreme situations due to the large number of refugees they receive”. In this regard, I have highlighted the National Resettlement Plans, whose objective is to resettle 1,200 people a year, and the complementary work routes that seek to expand the global numbers of people who are resettled in Spain.

The minister explained that the main objective of Spain is to integrate the refugees who arrive in our country. “We seek to foster a sense of belonging to offer a new life project to refugees who have had to leave their homes.”

Social dialogue

Elma Saiz has also participated in Geneva in the High Level Section of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO): ‘Challenges and opportunities’, focused on the impact of digitalisation on the world of work.

In his meeting with the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo, Saiz has recognized the important role of tripartite social dialogue and international working instruments. “We share its principles and values and recognize the essential role of the ILO.” In addition, the meeting has made progress in the possibility of Spain signing Convention 183 on the protection of maternity since our country meets the requirements for it.

Throughout the day, Elma Saiz has also met with Miriam Pinto, Head of International Affairs, Department of Employment, Diversity and Social Protection of CEOE, and Roberto Suarez, Secretary General of the International Organization of Employers (IOE), as well as with the Spanish Ambassador to the United Nations, at the Spanish Embassy to the United Nations.