The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU), solidifying their commitment to collaborative efforts in enhancing the protection and promotion of human rights for migrants, particularly those in precarious conditions.

Migration, in today's globalized world, presents numerous opportunities; however, it is equally imperative to ensure the safe, organized, and legal movement of people. The recently signed MoU underscores the shared dedication of NCHR and IOM Pakistan to prioritize the welfare and human rights of migrants.

Under the terms of the MoU, NCHR and IOM Pakistan will work together on various joint initiatives, with a primary focus on evidence generation, research activities, raising awareness, extending outreach, and offering policy advice in alignment with the government's priorities.

Rabiya Javeri Agha, chairperson of the NCHR, expressed her concern about the lack of rights and the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants, emphasizing the recent Greek migrant boat disaster as a poignant reminder of the risks people face in pursuit of a brighter future.

She highlighted that with over 2,000 lives lost in the Mediterranean this year alone, irregular migration requires immediate attention. Ms Agha stressed the significance of collective efforts to create a safer and more compassionate approach to migration that respects the well-being and dignity of those seeking a better life, indicating that the MoU signed between NCHR and IOM Pakistan will be instrumental in advancing this mission.

Ms. Mio Sato, chief of mission, IOM Pakistan, expressed concerns about the vulnerabilities and risks faced by migrants, especially women and children. She called the signing of this MoU timely, given the evolving migration trends and the urgent need for evidence-based solutions.

Ms Sato highlighted the importance of formalizing the partnership between NCHR and IOM, as it will allow both organizations to expand their activities within their respective mandates and ensure that support is directed towards those who needed it the most.

The cooperative framework established by this MoU aligns with the overarching guiding principles of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM). The GCM emphasizes the protection and realization of the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their migration status, throughout every stage of the migration process.

NCHR and IOM Pakistan's collaboration is poised to make a significant impact on the protection of migrants' rights and the creation of a safer and more compassionate environment for individuals seeking a better future.