The UN Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation Mechanism Thematic Working Group (TWG) on International Migration including Human Trafficking has launched the 2012 Situation Report on International Migration in South and South-West Asia in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The multi-agency report stresses the importance of coherent migration policies and increasing collaboration among countries of origin, transit and destination in South and South-West Asia.

Speaking at the Dhaka launch on behalf of the co-chairs of the TWG, IOM Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific Andrew Bruce told participants that the report will serve as a reference tool for governments, academia and practitioners to better understand the dynamics of migration in the region.

Dr. Zafar Ahmed Khan, Secretary of the Bangladesh Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, said that the launch was an opportunity to share the experiences and expertise of other migrant-sending countries in the region to more efficiently manage migration and ensure the protection of workers abroad.

During the course of the meeting, migration dynamics, trends, challenges, and emerging migration issues such as student mobility and climate change were raised by participants, highlighting the need for more regional and multilateral cooperation. Participants also noted the need for regularly updated information on migration dynamics.

Sufiur Rahman, Director General of the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importance of coherent migration policies and increased collaboration between countries of origin, transit and destination.

The Asia-Pacific Regional TWG on International Migration, including Human Trafficking, comprises nine UN agencies and IOM, and is co-chaired by UNESCAP and IOM.

The report can be downloaded from: http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/events/eventAS/cache/offonce?entryId=31645

For more information please contact:

Yuko Hamada, IOM Bangkok, Tel: + 66 2 343 9403, E-mail: yhamada@iom.int or Disha Sonata Faruque,IOM Dhaka, E-mail: dsfaruque@iom.int