Tunisia calls for adopting a comprehensive approach to migration that goes beyond the security dimension and addresses its root causes
New York, Sept 26 (KUNA) -- Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Nafati called on Saturday for the adoption of a comprehensive and balanced approach to address the phenomenon of migration, one that takes into account its humanitarian and historical dimensions and moves beyond a narrow security-oriented perspective.
Speaking at the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Nafati emphasized the necessity of tackling the root causes of migration, foremost among which are conflicts, poverty, economic and social inequalities, and human trafficking networks.
He stressed the importance of entrenching shared responsibility, solidarity, and cooperation among countries of origin, transit, and destination. He clarified that Tunisian authorities continue their efforts to save the lives of irregular migrants on land and at sea, provide them with care, and ensure their voluntary return to their countries of origin in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
In this context, Nafati reiterated Tunisia’s firm rejection of being used as a transit country or a place of residence for irregular migrants who fall victim to human trafficking networks.
On the Palestinian issue, Nafati condemned the continued settlement policies in the West Bank and what he described as "policies of repression, starvation, and isolation" in the Gaza Strip. He called on the international community to assume its legal, ethical, and humanitarian responsibilities toward the Palestinian people. He affirmed the necessity of ensuring safe, urgent, and sustainable access to humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and enabling the United Nations and its specialized agencies, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), to fully carry out their mandates.
Regarding developments in the Middle East region, Nafati expressed his country’s concern over the continued escalation and its serious repercussions, calling for an immediate halt to military operations and for dialogue and negotiation to prevail.
On the Libyan file, he affirmed Tunisia’s support for every Libyan effort and UN initiative aimed at ending the crisis based on a Libyan-led solution founded on dialogue and consensus, preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
He also expressed Tunisia’s concern over the ongoing war in Sudan, reiterating its solidarity with the Sudanese people and calling on the United Nations to support efforts aimed at achieving an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities.
On the multilateral front, Nafati called for accelerating comprehensive and profound reforms of the United Nations to respond to the transformations the world has witnessed, emphasizing the necessity of respecting international law, the principle of sovereign equality among states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Concluding his speech, the Tunisian Foreign Minister expressed his country’s hope that the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General would result in choosing the "most competent and deserving personality" to lead the organization with a strategic vision capable of offering practical solutions to international crises and challenges. (End) A.S.T / F.A.S
