Nicosia, Cyprus. International Organization for Migration (IOM) director-general Amy Pope said the European Union has a unique opportunity, through implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact, to show that cooperation produces better results than isolation.
Visit to Cyprus and cooperation with government
Pope spoke to the Cyprus News Agency during her two-day visit to Cyprus on Thursday and Friday. She referred to what she described as a very constructive relationship between the IOM mission in Cyprus and the Cypriot government on migration management.
Pope said Cyprus is a country where IOM’s mission has expanded significantly over the past two years, reflecting what she described as the island’s growing importance in the migration situation.
EU deadline and Cyprus EU Council Presidency
Pope said her visit coincides with the start of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, as ministers prepare for the approaching deadline to implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
She said her primary objective was to ensure that IOM remains fully aligned with Member States as they address the challenge, and to discuss irregular migration and how ministries can work together across Europe to combat human trafficking networks and ensure that migration is safer, legal and works well for everyone.
Irregular migration and legal pathways
Pope said European governments must show they have plans and strategies to handle irregular migration, while enabling skilled individuals to enter legally via visas.
Work on unaccompanied minors
Pope highlighted IOM’s collaboration with the Cypriot government on unaccompanied minors as a key factor in strengthening ties.
She said the primary focus was addressing the arrival of what she described as quite a significant number of adolescent boys from Syria by working with authorities in what she called a fair and humane way, ensuring that vulnerable groups were identified, protection needs were identified, and the logistical management itself.
Pope said the partnership has since expanded, with the government advancing migrant integration, vocational and skills training, while trying to find ways to manage migration in a way that is responsible to the people of Cyprus.
Broader impacts of migration
Pope urged states not to underestimate migration’s far-reaching impacts beyond population movements, including influencing political outcomes and government changes.
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