The immediate past president of ParlAmericas participates in the Regional review meeting on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in Latin America and the Caribbean
On April 27, 2021, Member of the National Assembly of Ecuador Elizabeth Cabezas, immediate past president of ParlAmericas, participated as a panellist in the Regional review meeting on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). She joined specialists, government officials, and representatives of international organizations to share her experiences at a round table on “Addressing irregular migration, including through managing borders and combating transnational crime.”
Certain key issues were discussed at the table regarding the way in which the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the vulnerability of migrant population groups who already face discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, and nationality, among other factors. In addition, participants discussed the importance of consular and international cooperation to improve access to protective services and justice for migrants, in order to reduce the number of human trafficking victims. Lastly, they discussed the need to strengthen mechanisms to ensure the dignified and safe return and re-admission of migrants, according to the principle of non-refoulement and the prohibition of collective expulsion under international human rights law.
Based on the panellists’ dialogue and contributions, recommendations were made for countries in the region highlighting the need to provide greater support to populations that are more vulnerable to human trafficking due to the increase in poverty and unemployment caused by COVID-19. Participants also underscored the importance of cooperation at the national level between the different levels of governance and civil society, as well as at the international level, to identify transnational crime networks and ensure access to justice and protective services for victims.
Member of the National Assembly of Ecuador Elizabeth Cabezas highlighted the representative role of parliaments in the continuous discussions between specialists and civil society groups working on the issue, regional government authorities, and migrants, to ensure that migrant safety and protection strategies are effective. The Member of the National Assembly of Ecuador added that another one of their commitments as parliamentarians is to adopt dynamic legislation focused on funding resources for migrant assistance and safety, according to local needs, and in line with the objectives of international strategies for combating transnational organized crime.
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