New york city: The Philippines has called for continuous collective action to protect migrants worldwide, emphasizing the persistent risks faced by this sector. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made this appeal during the International Organization for Migration (IOM) High-Level Event at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York City on September 22.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Lazaro highlighted the significance of solidarity amidst rising challenges posed by divisive and xenophobic tendencies that adversely affect migrants and their families. She stressed that such attitudes not only harm individuals but also impede the advantages migration brings to both origin and destination countries.

The Philippines remains at the forefront of advocating for safe migration, having been an early adopter of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) in 2018. Following its adoption, the country quickly integrated its principles into domestic legislation and established the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to focus exclusively on the well-being of Filipino workers abroad.

Lazaro emphasized the country’s role as GCM Champions, urging for the narrative of migration to focus on countering hate and intolerance while celebrating the positive contributions migrants make to society. She assured that the Philippines is committed to protecting migrants and harnessing the opportunities they bring for development.

Recent UN data indicates that the number of international migrants has nearly doubled, reaching 304 million in 2024 from an estimated 154 million in 1990. The high-level event was co-convened by the Philippines, with DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also representing the country alongside Lazaro.