9 and 10 December 2021, the 3rd Annual Meeting of the UN Network on Migration took place as a part of the events leading to the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) that will take place in New York from the 10 to 13 May 2022.

PAM was represented by Sen. Marie-Arlette Carlotti (France). Sen. Carlotti addressed the Panel during the third Session: 2nd Consultative Forum of the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF). She highlighted that PAM looks forward to more projects funded by the MPTF in the Mediterranean region in the future.

She also said that, in terms of migrations, “all the countries around the Mediterranean are countries of origin, transit or destination. Sometimes they combine several designations.” This statement shows the complexity and vulnerability of the Mediterranean region on such important subjects like migrations.

Sen. Carlotti also stressed: “demographic and environmental factors are also decisive” in the migration process and “large parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel face hydraulic stresses as well as desertification”. This situation is an entry point for terrorist groups and therefore for local conflicts and instabilities. She recalled that PAM has been trying to have the status of environmental refugees recognized in international law since its 2008 Plenary Session in Monaco. 

Once again, Sen. Carlotti reminded the High-level Panel that “more than 1,300 migrants have perished in the Mediterranean since the start of the year. Our priority is to save lives” (objective 8 of the Global Compact for Safe, orderly and regular Migration). 

PAM is also looking forward to working with all parliaments and Stakeholders in the coming months leading to the IMRF in May 2022.//