Global action needed to streamline pandemic travel measures

(United Nations News) Countries must find consensus on clear, equitable and streamlined pandemic travel measures, the heads of two organisations working to improve migration said on Friday during on event on the sidelines of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) at UN Headquarters in New York. 

António Vitorino, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Andrew Selee, President of the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), called for charting a course that balances health security with predictable cross-border movement. 

Inaction will not only affect future migration but also equitable pandemic recovery, they warned. 

Governments and non-governmental partners attended the side event, which was organized by IOM and MPI, together with the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Despite dramatically different contexts for migration and mobility, participants agreed that there is a need to harmonise approaches, as well as build out the digital and physical infrastructure of border management and increase public funding for border crossings. 

Mr. Vitorino and Mr. Selee were among participants who voiced support for establishing a Member State-led Group of Friends to discuss cross-border mobility and pandemic preparedness. 

Read more at: United Nations

Source: CARICOM TODAY