Ministerial Conference of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development in Cadiz
Bern-Wabern, 14.12.2022 - State Secretary Christine Schraner Burgener took part in the Ministerial Conference of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development on 13 and 14 December in Cadiz. At the conference, the approximately 60 participating countries from Europe and Africa adopted a new action plan for the years 2023–2027 to address the current challenges in the field of migration. As a new permanent member of the Steering Committee, Switzerland will contribute to policy orientation and will work to strengthen the dialogue based on partnership.
The Euro-African Dialogue (Rabat Process) is a regional platform for exchange and coordination on migration issues. Since its establishment in 2006, it has offered a framework for consultation and dialogue between countries of origin, transit and destination on migration routes connecting West, Central and North Africa with Europe. A ministerial conference is held every four years to redefine its strategic direction. The new action plan is consistent with Switzerland's migration policy and supports its implementation. It addresses all aspects of migration, such as combating human trafficking or returning irregular migrants, equitably.
The conference in Cadiz also served as a platform for exchanging views on the current challenges in the field of migration and on the priorities of the member countries. In her address, State Secretary Schraner Burgener highlighted the common challenges, particularly in the area of protection and asylum, and spoke out in favour of coherent and complementary efforts among all partners. Within the Rabat Process, Switzerland is a reference country for protection and asylum, organising various events on the topic of unaccompanied minors in the asylum process or missing migrants.
In addition to the Netherlands, Nigeria and Niger, Switzerland was also appointed as a new permanent member of the Steering Committee, which is responsible for the policy orientation of the Rabat Process. Switzerland can make a significant contribution to strengthening this platform for dialogue with its experience as a neutral mediator, through its geographical position in the heart of Europe, as an associated Schengen and Dublin member state and through International Geneva.
Address for enquiries
SEM Information and Communication, medien@sem.admin.ch
Publisher
State Secretariat for Migration
https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html