International Migration Law and Migration Policies
in the Mediterranean Context
15-16 December 2008, Villa Ormond, Sanremo
At the beginning of the 21st century, the Mediterranean area – a traditional crossroad between cultures, religions, societies – is going through a period of changes in various areas. From politics to economics to interstate relations, every field is directly affected by the consequences that the phenomenon of globalization is generating.
One of the most powerful effects caused by the ongoing process of trade liberalization is the consistent increase – notably in the last 15 years – of Mediterranean migration flows. As a result, migration law and migration policies are entering the spotlight of the regional political agenda, and are attracting increased consideration both from the political systems and the public opinion of the region as a whole. It is of paramount importance to commence, using the instruments of public dialogue, the search for common ground on the several issues arising out of large scale international migrations.
In this context, the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL), Sanremo, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and with the support of the Directorate General for Development Co-operation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior, has organized a Round Table on “International Migration Law and Migration Policies in the Mediterranean Context”, from 15th to 16th December, 2008. The Round Table addressed a number of crucial issues related to the phenomeno of the migration flows, including the international instruments of international migration law; the challenge of irregular immigration, particularly mixed migration flows and implications for international security; trafficking in human beings; operational responses and inter-institutional co-operation; regional co-operation; and the role of civil society.
The Round Table took place in Sanremo at Villa Ormond, seat of the Institute. Important political figures and prominent experts from several countries – for instance Libya, Malta, Morocco – attended the event. Among the lecturers were Dr. Ndioro NDIAYE, IOM Deputy Director General and member of the Council of the Institute; Senator Gabriele BOSCETTO, Member of the Italian Permanent Committee for Constitutional Affairs and the Permanent Commission for the EU Policies; and Prof. Fausto POCAR, President of the International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia and Vice-President of the Institute.
CONCLUSIONS (French)
CONCLUSIONS (English)
Dr Richard Perruchoud, IOM