Bangladesh, a true champion
International Organization for Migration (IOM) has appreciated Bangladesh's overall migration management and gradual prevention of irregular migration enabling regular migration.
"Bangladesh is a champion in this regard," said IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels while responding to a question from the news agency yesterday.
During a small group media briefing at a hotel in the capital, Daniels appreciated bilateral agreements on workers recruitment which will help prevent irregular migration.
She emphasised continued efforts to address the root causes -- access to education, healthcare and access to livelihoods -- and make people well-prepared with adequate knowledge, skills and requirements before going abroad.
The IOM DDG said Bangladesh has sent more than 13 million Bangladeshi nationals overseas since 1976 to date who have contributed to the national economy through remittances and contribute to their host societies and countries.
Bangladesh sends the 6th most migrants of any country in the world and receives the 8th highest remittances.
Daniels stressed that IOM continues to support the government of Bangladesh to view migration as a positive and beneficial phenomenon, holistically and strategically and IOM is committed to assisting Bangladesh in that regard.
Responding to a question on the Rohingya crisis, she hoped that all the global efforts on operational and political levels will help end all displacement crises, not just the Rohingya and Myanmar issues.
"There is a whole process in place looking at displacement and the requirements to end the crisis," said the IOM DDG, hoping that the global political leadership will take the necessary steps in this regard.
Asked about the flow of funds to the displaced Rohingya community amid crises in other parts of the world, she said, "Yes, the (funding) trend is downward, not specifically to the Rohingyas. Donors have placed their priority on responding to situations in Afghanistan and Ukraine."
Daniels thanked Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting over a million displaced members of the Rohingya community despite multiple challenges. The protracted crisis is now entering its fifth year.
The IOM DDG said the government of Bangladesh, locals and the international community have been providing immediate humanitarian assistance from the onset. "The needs are immense and meeting them depends on continuous support until the Rohingya community can voluntarily return to Myanmar in a safe and dignified manner."
IOM continues to provide basic daily requirements to the refugees in a highly complex operation; thus, life-saving assistance must continue, she added.
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