Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, Dear Ministers,

I am pleased to address the first ever International Migration Review Forum.

Let me thank the UN Migration Network for their efforts in supporting the Member States.

The reasons behind migratory pressures are complex.

Push factors, such as insecurity, and pull factors, such as economic prospects are in play.
Conflicts and economic disparities worsen the situation.

Because we failed to address these root causes, we must now deal with their consequences.

As a trans-border issue, migration requires a global and sustainable approach.

The adoption of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) was a historic milestone.

Now, it is time to put words into action.

The rights and humane treatment of migrants must be at the center of this action.

Migrants are victims of human trafficking, discrimination, and xenophobia.

Therefore, we welcome the Progress Declaration that condemns acts of discrimination against migrants.

Let me also thank Bangladesh and Luxembourg for their efforts in this.

We even observe systematic and intentional threats, even against the lives of migrants.

For example, Greece’s push-backs in the Aegean and mistreatment at the border caused loss of many lives.

It is also upsetting to see the involvement of FRONTEX in these acts.

Nothing can justify this.

Dear Colleagues,

Türkiye has been hosting the world’s largest refugee population since 2014.

After the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, we received an additional 145 thousand people.

We are actively engaged in all initiatives to uphold the dignity, well-being and rights of migrants.

That’s why we fully support the Global Compact for Migration.

With the same perspective, we joined the “Champion Countries Initiative”.

Türkiye is committed to effective migration policies in accordance with the GCM.

Voluntary, safe and dignified returns should be encouraged.

Resettlement must be more widely applied for those who are unable to return.

More importantly, we should address the root causes of migration.

We should provide urgent humanitarian and development assistance.

Our work in Syria is a case in point.

As a result of our efforts of stabilization, around 500 thousand Syrians returned to areas
liberated from terrorist organizations. We will continue to combat the PKK/YPG terrorist organization that targets civilians to prevent their returns.

We will continue to build brick shelters and rehabilitate these areas to encourage more voluntary returns.

So far, we have completed more than 57.000 shelters and we aim to reach 100.000 by the end of the year.

We are working on a plan that will facilitate the safe and voluntary return of 1 million Syrians.

As Türkiye, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, we have launched the Neighboring Countries Initiative for the return of Syrians.

Let me also underline that the UN cross-border mechanism has proven itself a life-saving instrument for 2,4 million people on a monthly basis.

Therefore, the renewal of the UN Security Council mandate is essential.

And let me remind you the situation in Afghanistan today.

Economic collapse, coupled with rising terrorism will trigger a new migration wave.

Dear Friends,

Migration is a global challenge. We need active international cooperation to tackle it.

Türkiye will continue to do its part.

I hope all members of the international community will do the same.

Thank you.