SFA Manalo at UN Migration Meeting: Let Us Work Together to Address the Impact of Climate Change on Migration

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo addresses the international community on the topic of migration and climate change during the High-Level Segment of the 114th Session of the IOM Council. 

GENEVA 30 November 2023 – The Philippines encouraged greater attention to the challenges brought about by climate change on the migration cycle, during the 114th Session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council on 27 to 29 November 2023 at the Centre International de Conférences Genève.

Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, during the High-Level Segment on “Climate impact on human mobility: a global call for solutions”, shared that in the Philippines, climate-related hazards have an impact on human mobility and sustainable development, particularly in coastal communities.

“Developing and island nations, like the Philippines, disproportionately bear the brunt of the climate crisis - yet are the least responsible for carbon emissions,” Secretary Manalo asserted. He expressed hope that the upcoming 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) will produce more meaningful commitments and decisions, especially on the Loss and Damage Fund.

Secretary Manalo also urged all stakeholders to work more closely together to gain better understanding of the interplay between climate and migration. “In a world of increasing climate-induced human mobility, the role of safe and orderly migration - with full protection of human rights of migrants – becomes even more important.”

“The Philippines will play an active role and contribute to this very timely and much needed discussions,” Secretary Manalo assured. “This is part of the Philippines’ continuing commitment as a Global Compact on Migration (GCM) Champion and an advocate in upholding the rights of migrants.”

During the General Debate, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative Carlos D. Sorreta cited how crisis situations around the world have affected the 10 million Filipino migrants. “A crisis halfway around the world usually means that Filipino migrants are affected, and our government will always be ready to be there to assist them and reunite them with their families back home,” he stated.  

Ambassador Sorreta also emphasized the importance of cultivating positive perceptions of migration and migrants through balanced narratives, which could improve or detract from the welfare, well-being, and safety of migrants. He shared that the Philippines, together with Canada, will be leading the discussions on the roundtable on migration narratives and culture during the upcoming 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Summit on 23-25 January 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Finally, as the Philippines joined the international community in the 18-day campaign to end violence against women and girls, Ambassador Sorreta closed with an important reminder: “women migrants should be protected and should not be forgotten.” END

Permanent Representative Carlos D. Sorreta, accompanied by Second Secretary Jet C. Olfato, delivers the Philippines’ statement during the General Debate of the 114th Session of the IOM Council.

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