Elma Saiz opens the Fifth Ibero-American Forum on Migration and Development: "No democracy can afford to normalise the dehumanisation of the other"

The Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, has chaired the opening of the Fifth Ibero-American Forum on Migration and Development, which is being held in Huelva, and which will establish shared challenges while formulating guidelines to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the participating countries.

The first day addressed the need to protect the human rights of people in mobility and the importance of socio-economic inclusion and integration in host societies, something which Minister Saiz focused on.

"We have to build coexistence, which means access to decent employment, social participation and equality of opportunities. It also means combating racism and hate speech, because no democracy can allow itself to normalise the dehumanisation of others," the minister stressed in her opening speech.

She also recognised the need to focus the dialogue on human mobility policies as a strategic component of regional governance, as well as the importance of the social and economic integration of Ibero-America "whose future will be built through human, economic and cultural links, not by building walls."

The meeting is attended by 22 delegations from Ibero-American countries. Representatives of international organisations and civil society also attend.

"Migration is a reality that we must address together with intelligence, humanity and cooperation. Twenty years after the adoption of the Montevideo Commitment, the effective management of human mobility has become even more relevant as a key element for social welfare and regional cohesion, which is why we must commit to protection and inclusion policies and we must do it together," said Saiz.

Human rights

During the first day of the forum, the protection of the human rights of people in mobility was addressed, with an analysis focused on strategies to prevent irregular migration and reduce the associated vulnerability factors. The interventions emphasised the need to strengthen protection systems throughout the migration process, as well as the role of international cooperation to ensure effective respect for fundamental rights.

In addition, during the second panel on socio-economic inclusion and integration in host societies, different experiences were shared in areas such as access to employment, education, training and basic services. The debate highlighted the importance of cohesion policies and the prevention of discrimination, as well as the key role of diasporas and Ibero-American migrants as active agents of integration, facilitating support networks, knowledge exchange and development in host countries.

Migration governance

The Huelva Forum seeks to strengthen the exchange of experiences between Ibero-American countries on the protection, inclusion and management of migration flows, promoting a common approach based on respect for human rights. Throughout the sessions, policies and practices aimed at guaranteeing the protection of people in mobility, as well as favouring their labour, educational and social integration, are analysed from a perspective that recognises the value of migration for the development of host societies.

The meeting will also identify areas for regional technical cooperation and reinforce the commitment to promote safe, orderly and regular migration channels, respecting national competences and attending to the needs of each context. In this framework, the importance of improving public perception of migration and recognising the role of Ibero-American migrants as key agents of development, cohesion and connection between countries, contributing to the construction of more inclusive, dynamic and supportive societies, will be highlighted.

Preparations for the Summit

The Forum, which is part of the preparatory work for the 30th Ibero-American Summit, is organised by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration together with the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB). Spain is chairing the Pro Tempore Secretariat of the 30th Summit of Heads of State, to be held in Madrid, whose slogan is 'Ibero-America. Together we build our Community. Together we project it into the future and into the world'.

Non official translation