OAS report underscores need for hemispheric approach to migration flows

WASHINGTON, DC, USA (CMC) – A new report by the Organization of American States (OAS) has underscored the need for a hemispheric approach to increased migration flows.

OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro on Thursday presented to the OAS Permanent Council the regional report, "Irregular Migration Flows to the Americas from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean".

The report notes that irregular migration transcends issues of a bilateral or regional nature, stating that migration management must necessarily involve countries of origin, transit and destination.

"In recent times, the region has received irregular migrant flows from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. This situation cannot be solved unilaterally; the response must have a hemispheric perspective," Almagro said.

Foreign Minister of Costa Rica Manuel González, whose country asked the OAS to prepare the report, said it confirms "the marked increase in mixed migratory flows in the Americas".

He said his country will host a regional forum in the second half of the year to discuss the "complex" issue.

The report points out that those irregular flows into the Americas of migrants from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean need to be analysed according to their specific origins and characteristics.

The report also stated that lack of documentation, language barriers, and lack of consular and diplomatic representation make it difficult for national authorities, international organisations and civil society to manage migration.

In addition, the report noted that the majority of migrants who arrive in the region from outside the Americas come from Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, India, Iraq and Sri Lanka.

It said, too, that there has been a significant flow of Cuban nationals who moved to Ecuador, a country that had withdrawn entry visa requirements for them.

Additionally, the report indicated that there was a growth in the flow of Haitians migrating to Latin America, particularly Brazil, especially since the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Besides the OAS, the International Organization for Migration and the International Red Cross participated in the drafting of the report.

Source: OAS report underscores need for hemispheric approach to migration flows