In a landmark move to strengthen migration governance, the United Nations (UN) in Pakistan, with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has officially launched the Pakistan United Nations Network on Migration (UNNM). The high-profile event, held in Islamabad, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the challenges of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and migration management through a collaborative, whole-of-society approach.
A Unified Approach to Migration Governance
The UNNM launch signifies Pakistan’s commitment to aligning its migration policies with international frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM). Hosted by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Mohamed Yahya, the event emphasized the importance of a unified strategy to tackle complex migration challenges while protecting the rights of migrants.
“The establishment of this network is a testament to our collective resolve to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and regular,” said Mr. Mohamed Yahya. “It provides a crucial platform to shift the narrative on migration, amplify a unified voice, and foster the innovation needed to address complex challenges related to mobility.”
The UNNM, chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, will leverage partnerships across UN agencies, the Government of Pakistan, civil society, media, and the private sector to promote policy coherence and integrate migration into broader development goals.
Introducing the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF)
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of Pakistan’s first Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMPTF) programme, titled “Strengthening Response to Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Pakistan.” This initiative, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), is a collaborative effort with the Government of Pakistan and other stakeholders.
The MMPTF is the only global pooled funding mechanism dedicated to migration, supporting the implementation of the GCM. It aims to strengthen national efforts in migration management, combat human trafficking, and prevent migrant smuggling, ensuring a holistic approach that involves all sectors of society.
Voices of Migrants: A Human-Centered Approach
The launch event featured a powerful video message from Mr. Jonathan Prentice, Head of the UN Migration Network Secretariat, who praised Pakistan’s role in global migration governance. Additionally, the event highlighted the story of Moazzam Ali, a Pakistani migrant who returned from Romania with IOM’s support.
“Life makes us move. But journeys, either from our home to new destinations or back to our country, should become easier, more dignified,” said Moazzam Ali, emphasizing the need for safer and more humane migration processes.
His story underscored the UNNM’s mission to prioritize the dignity and rights of migrants, ensuring their journeys are safe and supported.
High-Level Discussions on Migration Challenges
The event included a panel discussion on “Enhancing whole-of-government migration governance in the age of complex mobility dynamics and emerging global challenges,” moderated by Dr. Nasra M. Shah, Professor of Migration and Development at the Lahore School of Economics. The panel featured representatives from key government ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, and the National Commission for Human Rights, alongside IOM and civil society organizations.
The discussion explored strategies to address the evolving dynamics of migration, emphasizing the need for coordinated policies and innovative solutions to protect vulnerable populations and combat trafficking and smuggling.
The Role of IOM and Collaborative Partnerships
As the coordinator and secretariat of the UN Network on Migration, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays a central role in driving the UNNM’s objectives. By fostering partnerships across the UN system, government, and civil society, the network aims to create a cohesive framework for migration governance that aligns with global development goals.
The UNNM and MMPTF initiatives reflect Pakistan’s proactive stance in addressing migration challenges, ensuring that policies are inclusive, rights-based, and forward-thinking.
Why This Matters for Pakistan and Beyond
The launch of the UNNM and MMPTF positions Pakistan as a leader in global migration governance. By aligning with international standards and fostering collaboration, Pakistan is paving the way for safer, more orderly migration processes that protect the rights of individuals and address the root causes of trafficking and smuggling.
This initiative not only strengthens Pakistan’s migration framework but also sets a precedent for other nations to adopt collaborative, human-centered approaches to migration management.
