Presenting Morocco's statement at the 112th Session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Zniber reiterated Morocco's commitment to "a multidimensional approach - based on the human rights of migrants - which is fundamental not only through the security dimension, in particular the fight against smugglers and traffickers of human beings, but also through a humanitarian vision, including in the assistance to victims and vulnerable people, targeted by trafficking networks”.
The ambassador pointed out, in this regard, that the pandemic has revealed the threats and risks faced by migrants in terms of protection, especially in access to health care, noting that this vulnerability is all the more worrying as it is multiplied by the worsening of xenophobia and stigma against migrants, simply because of their status.
He indicated that the Moroccan delegation notes with concern the growing trend of practices incompatible with international law and standards, such as refoulement to risk areas, systematic refusal of asylum applications and non-assistance at sea and land borders.
"In the absence of inclusive strategies encouraging complementary and regular channels, migration policies that boil down to strengthening border security and increasing deportations will be doomed to failure, knowing that transit countries have neither the responsibility to be gendarmes nor the vocation to be border guards," he said.
He also noted that Morocco, aware of the challenge of environmental sustainability, is committed to fighting the adverse effects of climate change, in addition to its mobilization for multilateral governance of migration.