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“Cooperation Needed on Migration Issues,” Says OAS Assistant Secretary General

  April 12, 2011

The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert Ramdin, says international migration is a growing phenomenon that requires countries to work together on policies that protect the rights of all people. Speaking at a conference on migration issues hosted by the Organization of American States in Washington, DC, the OAS official said, “Developing effective policies on migration is an intricate and delicate challenge, but a challenge that can be met.”

According to Assistant Secretary General Ramdin, countries and governments in the hemisphere are already confronting a wide range of complex issues due to migration, since movement across national borders permeates many policy fields. “Everything from border control, human rights, rule of law, economic and social development, and security concerns are raised in this matter. Participation in the workforce, integration, gender and minority perspectives, as well as contributions to the host country and country of origin are real issues which have to be addressed,” said the OAS official.

The objective of the meeting at the OAS this week is to share experiences in migration management that can aid in the development of policies to protect the rights of migrants, as well as safeguard national interests. “Effective policy can maximize the benefits for both the state and the citizen,” Ramdin said. “Bilateral cooperation on migration issues can therefore advance the dialogue and strengthen relationships among countries who share many of the same concerns. Through increased dialogue, we can ensure a path to mutual understanding,” said the OAS Assistant Secretary General.

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-622/11