Nicosia: The EU has a unique opportunity to showcase the value of cooperation as it implements the Pact on Migration and Asylum, according to Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In an interview with CNA, Pope emphasized that working collaboratively can yield better results than working in isolation.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during her visit to Cyprus, Pope highlighted the constructive relationship between IOM's mission in Cyprus and the Cypriot government regarding migration management. She stressed the importance of European governments demonstrating effective plans for managing irregular migration and facilitating legal entry for skilled migrants.
Pope's visit coincided with the beginning of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, aiming to ensure alignment with member states facing migration challenges and discussing strategies to counter smuggling rings and promote safe and legal migration.
Reflecting on her participation in the Informal meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers, Pope noted the positive discussions on pairing development actions with migration. She emphasized the need to address root causes like lack of opportunities and climate shocks that drive migration, advocating for development solutions to integrate migration policies effectively.
Pope deemed the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum a significant milestone for the European Union, highlighting the importance of countries sharing information and adopting common standards. She reaffirmed IOM's commitment to supporting fair and humane implementation of the pact.
In Cyprus, IOM's engagement, particularly with unaccompanied children, has strengthened its relationship with the government. Pope praised the collaborative efforts in addressing vulnerabilities and promoting integration and skills training for migrants.
Discussing migration drivers in the wider region, Pope stressed the necessity of addressing insecurity and instability, citing the Sudan conflict as a key example. She emphasized supporting communities upon initial migration to prevent further displacement.
Regarding political debates in Europe and the US, Pope acknowledged migration as a proxy for governmental management concerns, urging governments to demonstrate effective strategies for managing irregular migration and facilitating legal entry for skilled workers.
Reflecting on recent geopolitical developments, Pope acknowledged the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations, including IOM, due to funding constraints. She advocated for rethinking international engagement models to enhance relevance and efficiency.
Pope emphasized the indispensability of international cooperation in addressing migration issues, highlighting IOM's role in offering platforms for engagement and capacity building. She concluded with a message for the EU, urging member states to leverage cooperation through the migration pact to achieve stronger and more effective outcomes.