UNAOC Forum: 'We Need to Build on Fez Declaration', Says IOM Chief

The Director General of the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) Antonio Vitorino said his agency is present worldwide, in 80 countries, “but we undoubtedly have very important operations on the African continent for the protection and support of migrants.”

During his participation in the 19th Global Forum for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), he explained that 80 percent of African migrants leave one African country for another African country. “It shows the importance of the action of IOM throughout the African continent. And we hope that this first meeting of the Alliance of Civilizations here in Africa is an essential moment to confirm our commitment to the protection of migrants.”

He continued: “Declarations are always important – politically. But it’s not enough. We need to build on the Declaration. And we are committed.”

“Every day, everywhere, along with people who need us, IOM aims to translate the essence of the Declaration into concrete actions, to protect migrants, to support safe, orderly and regulated migration, and to fight against human trafficking, which is an attack against the fundamental rights of migrants."