5th August 2011, Geneva; The Maldives has signed a cooperation agreement with the Geneva-based International Organisation for Migration. In a ceremony held at the IOM's headquarters today, the Agreement was signed on behalf of the Government by the Maldives Ambassador in Geneva, H E Ms. Iruthisham Adam. Director General of the IOM Mr. William Swing signed on behalf of the IOM.
Speaking after the signing Ambassador Adam thanked the IOM for the support extended to the Government to identify areas of cooperation and technical assistance to the Maldives on migration and trafficking issues. The Ambassador praised the Organization's commitment to migration and its related issues. The Ambassador also stated her confidence in a comprehensive long-term cooperation that would reap real and on-the-ground benefits for a small developing country such as the Maldives in areas such as counter-trafficking.
In his remarks, Director General Swing highlighted the Maldives' efforts to build capacity and tackle the issues related to migration and pledged the IOM's commitment to assist the Maldives in its endeavours. He also praised the Maldives Government's leadership in garnering international support to the negative effects of climate change.
Today's agreement forms the basis of cooperation between the Government and the IOM, which will facilitate the implementation of migration programmes such as capacity building, advisory services, and technical cooperation on migration matters. In addition issues such as migration's impact on health and environment as well as programmes on counter-trafficking will be on the cooperation agenda.
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 132 member states, a further 17 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
The Maldives will become a full-fledged member of the IOM in December this year during the Annual Migration Conference.
ENDS.