Speaking within the framework of the 111th Session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the diplomat recalled that HM King Mohammed VI, in his capacity as Africa's leader on the issue of migration, presented the Report on the Role of Africa in the New Governance of Migration during the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 9-10.

The objective of this document was to take stock of the migration issue in Africa, to outline the essential role of the African Migration Observatory in migration governance in Africa and to affirm the central place of Africa in the implementation of the Marrakech Pact.

Morocco continues to contribute substantially to the regional management of migration issue, as evidenced by the organization of the 8th Ministerial Conference of the 5+5 Dialogue on Migration and Development, in Marrakech, on March 1-2 March 2020, the diplomat said.

The conference was an opportunity to reaffirm willingness to work closely on the migration issue, based on shared responsibility and active solidarity, for better management of migration flows in the region, noted Zniber.

The official highlighted Morocco's resolve to spare no effort to support the IOM in order to fully discharge its mandate and implement its objectives and programs, particularly those pertaining to the implementation, follow-up and review of the Marrakech Pact.

On the other hand, the ambassador highlighted the considerable impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on migratory flows and human mobility around the world.

Morocco appreciates IOM's rapid and anticipated response to this unprecedented health crisis, which has resulted in the activation of innovative working methods and the continued implementation of programs and activities, Zniber said.

He also welcomed the adoption of IOM's Covid-19 Global Strategic Plan for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, which sets funding targets at USD 116.1 million, covers all regions of the world and includes a wide range of activities.

The Moroccan delegation participating in this session called, once again, for the inclusion of all - including migrants, regardless of their migratory status, refugees and displaced persons - in efforts to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic, in line with one of the key commitments of the Sustainable Development Agenda to 2030 "leaving no one behind".

"Migrants and displaced persons face the same health threats as host populations. They can be particularly vulnerable due to the circumstances of their journey, the poor living and working conditions they face, or barriers to accessing health care," Zniber concluded.