Philippines calls for stronger UN cooperation on migration

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has called for stronger cooperation on safe, orderly and stronger migration among member-countries of the United Nations.

“Migration is a Philippine reality,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said yesterday, highlighting the scale of the Filipino diaspora and noting that many Filipinos abroad consider their host countries their “second homes.”

Lazaro made the remarks at a forum on “Forging Alliances: Strengthening Collaboration Along Migration Routes” held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

“As a Champion country of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, the Philippines is committed to protecting, promoting and fulfilling the human rights of migrants throughout their migration journey,” she stressed.

While the Philippines has made significant progress in strengthening migration governance, Lazaro acknowledged that gaps persist.

“No country can address these challenges alone. This is why collective action, grounded in shared responsibility, is essential,” she said.