The African Union (AU) Commission has called on member states to embrace migration as a driver of development, resilience and integration.
The call was made on Thursday during AU’s specialised technical committee meeting on migration, refugees and internally displaced people in Ethiopia’s capital, under the theme “Re-Imagining Migration and Pivoting Humanitarian Architecture in Africa”
“We must no longer see migration as a crisis to contain, but as a force to harness, a driver of development and a pathway to shared prosperity,” said Amma A.Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian and Social Development.
Highlighting the number of refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless people continues to rise across Africa, the commissioner called for collective response to restore hope and dignity, especially for children whose education and future are at risk.
Twum-Amoah said in a global context where restrictive policies increasingly hinder mobility and as others tighten their borders, Africa must open doors wisely and strategically.
“Facilitating safe, regular, dignified and beneficial migration to advance labour migration and mobility is key to realising Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol,” she said.
Noting that only four AU member states have ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the Free Movement of Persons Protocol, the commissioner said every missed opportunity impedes Africa’s economic growth and continental unity.
Across Africa millions continue to move, some in search of opportunity, others in search of safety. Socio-economic hardship, political instability and the harsh realities of climate change are considered major factors uprooting families and entire communities.
MG/abj/APA