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A Decalogue for the UN Migration Summit

Next month, for only the second time in its history, the UN General Assembly will focus on international migration. Governments should commit themselves to ten realistic goals – all of which would enhance migrants’ contribution to development and improve their societies of origin and destination.

LONDON – This month, for only the second time in its history, the United Nations General Assembly will focus on international migration. The stakes are high. In the balance rests not only the well-being of the world’s 232 million migrants, but also the health of our societies and economies. So governments should come to New York to make commitments, not just statements.

The first such UN summit in 2006 led to the establishment of the Global Forum on Migration and Development. The Forum was fiercely opposed by some, but it has since proved invaluable in building trust among states and fostering a common understanding of migration.

This year’s summit, however, will be a failure if it produces only rhetoric and process.

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