June 25, 2024

Thank you, President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of a group of 28 countries.

We uphold the main premise of the Special Rapporteur’s report of migrants being rights holders, regardless of their migration status, and reaffirm our duty as States to respect, protect and fulfill their human rights.

We are convinced that acknowledging their contributions would greatly contribute to fertilize a human rights-based approach in the global migration agenda, while at the same time galvanizing social and economic development.

The world has witnessed how the political discourse around migration has been instrumentalized. Different actors have created a sense of risk and fear based on misinformation and disinformation, which falsely legitimize actions resulting in human rights violations and abuses against migrants.

Migration laws and policies grounded on misconceptions, exacerbate discrimination and xenophobia, and deny migrants the opportunity to fully develop their potential, leaving them behind.

Misleading narratives should be halted with evidence-based information. We call on all States to strengthen measures to promote human rights and highlight migrant´s contributions and its positive impacts.

We need to work hand on hand with migrants, civil society organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders on effective and comprehensive integration and communication strategies aiming for social cohesion.

Thank you.