Côte d’Ivoire champions humane migration governance at UN forum

The Côte d’Ivoire has taken center stage at the second session of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) at the United Nations headquarters in New York, reasserting its commitment to a migration governance model rooted in cooperation, human dignity, and sustainable development.

This global gathering, focused on assessing progress toward the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration adopted in 2018, brings together nations to address the complexities of human mobility worldwide.

Leading the Ivorian delegation, Dr. Hinin Moustapha, Director-General of the National Population Office (ONP), presented the country’s achievements under the leadership of Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development. His address highlighted key advancements in Côte d’Ivoire’s migration management framework, emphasizing data-driven policies, vulnerability reduction, anti-discrimination measures, and strengthened international cooperation.

Data revolution in migration governance

A cornerstone of Côte d’Ivoire’s strategy is the modernization of its migration data systems. The country has embarked on a structural overhaul to enhance data collection and analysis, ensuring policymakers receive reliable, real-time, and disaggregated insights to guide public interventions effectively.

This commitment materialized in 2025 with the launch of a comprehensive national migration survey—a landmark initiative positioning Côte d’Ivoire as a trailblazer in evidence-based migration governance across Africa.

Protecting migrants through inclusive policies

Beyond statistics, Côte d’Ivoire prioritizes the protection and reintegration of migrants through integrated support systems backed by inclusive social policies. The goal is twofold: to provide dignified assistance to migrants and to minimize their exposure to vulnerability during migration journeys.

Combating discrimination and fostering inclusion

Tackling discrimination remains a critical pillar of the Ivorian approach. The government has intensified awareness campaigns and reinforced institutional frameworks to build a more inclusive society that upholds human rights and equal opportunities for all.

Global solidarity: the key to migration challenges

The Ivorian delegation underscored the necessity of international solidarity and shared responsibility in addressing migration. Abidjan argues that sustainable solutions require collaborative efforts among countries of origin, transit, and destination—transcending borders to create a unified response.

A vision of migration as opportunity

Côte d’Ivoire’s participation at the IMRF reflects a paradigm shift in how the nation perceives migration. Rather than viewing human mobility solely as a security or social challenge, the country now embraces it as a strategic lever for economic, cultural, and human development.

Rooted in its tradition of hospitality and openness, Côte d’Ivoire aims to harness migration as a catalyst for shared prosperity. This vision is anchored in three pillars: safeguarding human dignity, fostering cross-border solidarity, and leveraging data intelligence to inform policy decisions.