Port of Spain - On Monday 17th October 2022, the United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago launched a Network on Migration.

This United Nations Network on Migration in Trinidad and Tobago (UNNM-TT) is expected to place emphasis on national migration issues where a common UN system approach would add value, and from which results and positive impact can be readily gauged. 

The United Nations system is committed to supporting the implementation, follow-up and review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), which is the first inter-governmentally negotiated agreement, that encompasses all dimensions of international migration in a holistic manner. To this end, the United Nations established a global Network on Migration to ensure effective, timely and coordinated system-wide support and at the national/country level, individual support would be provided to Member States.  

UN Resident Coordinator (a.i.) Dennis Zulu in a recorded address indicated that, “Migration can be a powerful driver of sustainable development for countries, in countries of origin, transit and destination through, inter alia, the transfer of knowledge and skills, a strengthened labour force, innovation, remittances, and cultural diversity,” and “…no entity or state can solely address migration. The United Nations system is therefore committed to supporting the implementation, follow-up and review of the GCM.” 

The UNNM-TT will focus on fostering a better understanding of migration dynamics, enhancing information as well as coordination on migration issues within the UN system and with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and other stakeholders. Further, it will respect the principles of the GCM, such as Rule of Law and National Sovereignty as well as be guided by inter alia, the United Nations Charter and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as it supports the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in implementing the GCM in line with national priorities.  

On hand to deliver remarks was the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne who stated that, “Trinidad and Tobago, welcomes the inception of the United Nations Network on Migration and eagerly anticipates the support that this partnership will bring with respect to capacity building, knowledge sharing and information, collection of data and analysis, and the development of National Action Plans. As we recognize, migration is a multi-dimensional issue, and strategic partnerships such as those that will be developed through this Network will serve to assist   all participating Governments to address effectively and navigate through the issues that arise out of the phenomenon of people moving in search of better lives. I am therefore very appreciative of this initiative.” 

The UNNM-TT would be Chaired by the Office of the Resident Coordinator and the International Organization for Migration Port of Spain (IOM POS) would serve as its Coordinator and Secretariat. Finally, the UNNM-TT would comprise the UN Agencies which operate in Trinidad and Tobago that either wish to be a part of the Network and/or for which migration is of relevance to their mandate. At this time, these Agencies which form UNNM-TT include the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Labour Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNICEF, UNWOMEN and the World Food Programme. 

Her Excellency Martha Cecilia Pinilla Perdomo, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia to Trinidad and Tobago, pointed out that, “For the receiving countries and their national institutions, to be able to work in a harmonic way with the local authorities, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations that are experts in the matter and the international community that manages the different aspects of migration implications, this is a win-win partnership.” 

The UNNM seeks to prioritize the well-being of migrants, including through promoting the application of relevant international and regional norms and standards relating to migrants, to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration, address migration-related challenges and harness the impact of migration on sustainable development. At the event, IOM POS Project Officer Zeke Beharry gave a presentation about the UNNM-TT and how it can benefit this country.

IOM POS Head of Office Jewel Ali noted that, “With the newly established United Nations Network on Migration in Trinidad and Tobago, we look forward to your sustained partnership as we commit ourselves to ensuring a more effective, timely and coordinated UN system-wide support to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with the management of national migration issues and priorities.” 

“We share the view that migration when strategically managed, could propel sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago, and could assist with meeting some of the set national priorities.” 

She added, "It would also be remiss of me not to state that this Launch was funded through IOM’s Migration Resource Allocation Committee (MIRAC) which among other things, facilitates initiatives that lend to the building of a common understanding of complex and nuanced issues on migration in an objective and balanced manner." 

The launch took place at the Brix Hotel and was also attended by the Minister of Planning and Development The Honourable Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, Minister of Social Development and Family Services Senator The Honourable Donna Cox, Minister of Labour The Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, senior officials from the Ministry of National Security such as the Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Nataki Atiba-Dilchan, the Chief Immigration Officer Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews, as well as Ambassadors, Heads of Missions and other representatives from the embassies of Chile, Spain, the Netherlands, Peru, Turkey and the US and the European Union Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago, and various heads and representatives from UN Agencies which form the UNNM-TT.