D-8 joint statement: "Principle of solidarity in sharing the burden"

The coalition of D-8 Member States released a joint statement, focusing mostly on the issue of forced migrations. Below you will find a short analysis and also the full text of the statement. We expect to obtain more information tomorrow at the press conference where we also hope to ask some questions.



It has confirmed once again that member states are more or less unified about the issue of forced migrations. Delegates of D-8 have - like many representatives already - emphasized the principle of solidarity in sharing the burden. "Being located in the global South and mostly in unstable regions, we are deeply involved in forced migration flows, but the lack of our own resources and/or particular knowledge and skills sometimes puts us in a position where we are unable to assure migrants their dignity and the preservation of their personal integrity."

Another common goal of many member states and coalitions seems to be strengthening international cooperation, which was also mentioned in the D-8 joint statement. "The representatives of the D-8 member states, present at this year's GA session, will do everything in their power to further strenghten their cooperation in the field of solving issues, inherent to forced migrations. /.../ With the help of international community and with mutual help, we will strive towards protection, shelter, assistance and non-discrimination of migrants in our own countries, in the region and worldwide."

Tamara Kajtazović

Full joint statement:
 
The D-8 member states acknowledge that we are all facing similar challenges, have fast growing and young populations, are experiencing a rapid development and are committed to common solutions, based on mutual respect and dialogue. We, the members, agree that development has to be the ultimate goal for every single state. The resulting improvement in life standard and productivity will lead to a more prosperous society, which will furthermore contribute to the countries’ security and welfare.

Yet, despite this developmental progress, there have never been more refugees and persons, forced to flee their homes than in our time. These persons have lost their homes and their belongings and are subjects to the arbitrariness of the host countries. We must protect these refugees to the highest degree possible and aim to exclude them from any kind of discrimination. 

We seek international assistance and support in establishing a comprehensive migration mechanism, the core of which will be the principle of solidarity in sharing the burden, caused by forced and unpredicted international migration flows. Being located in the global South and mostly in unstable regions, we are deeply involved in forced migration flows, but the lack of our own resources and/or particular knowledge and skills sometimes puts us in a position where we are unable to assure migrants their dignity and the preservation of their personal integrity. 

We call upon states to extend their help regarding protection service, training and technical assistance. We believe that there should be a much stronger dialogue between the countries regarding this topic and that this dialogue should include a faster and more effective development of all countries. We also fully support the idea of a legal mechanism established to prevent human trafficking and smuggling.

Finally, the representatives of the D-8 member states, present at this year's GA session, will do everything in their power to further strenghten their cooperation in the field of solving issues, inherent to forced migrations. We understand that economic growth and stability are a prerequisite condition, yet they cannot compromise for unresolved pressing issues, violating basic human rights. With the help of international community and with mutual help, we will strive towards protection, shelter, assistance and non-discrimination of migrants in our own countries, in the region and worldwide.

Tamara Čakić
Permanent representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Nations

Tina Orešnik
Permanent representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations

Marc Andre Bobinger
Permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

Nataša Mrdja
Permanent representative of Federation of Malaysia to the United Nations

Gorazd Mihelin
Permanent representative of the Republic of Nigeria to the United Nations

Sara Jud
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Turkey to the United Nations