UN interagency coordinator: Morocco moved from an origin country for legal immigrants to a transit country for clandestine migrants

“Morocco, with its special geographic position, moved from an origin country for legal immigrants to a transit country for clandestine migrants, coming specifically from sub-Saharan countries, UN interagency coordinator in Morocco, Marc Fawe said.

“Morocco’s geopolitical position close to Europe is at the same time a challenge and an opportunity for development,” added Fawe who stressed that the UN in close collaboration with the European Union assists Morocco and other concerned countries to address this phenomenon throughout 50 initiatives involving NGOs and local administrations in original projects linking migration to development.

According to him, migration also contributes to exchange of ideas and information at the international level. However, migration has also limitations related to entry access and control reinforced by boarders’ security in host countries, which incited many to migrate clandestinely.

This policy obliges several people, most of them young, students, and refugees to live in illegal and marginalized situation which makes them victim of inacceptable exploitation.

Mohammed Benaissa calls for more sustained dialogue between youth, government and civil society

Mohammed Benaissa president of Asilah city council and the secretary general of Asilah forum foundation had called during the opening of the third LAS Youth Forum,for more sustained dialogue between youth, government and civil society. He also called for more cooperation between Arabic countries to face the challenge and obstacles of migration flows and policies.

“This initiative translates our will to deepen dialogue between Europe and the Arab world for a common goal and a future perspective between states and civil society organizations supported by youth power and engagement,” Mohammed Benaissa, stressed, adding that the forum provides for a space for free and open youth dialogue and interactions.

Khalid El Ouhichi hails Morocco’s experience in implementing integrated migration policies

At the opening of the third LAS Youth Forum held in Asilah, nothern Morocco on Nov. 15, director of the department of population policy and migration of the League of Arab States Khalid El Ouhichi said that “most international meetings proves that migration contributes to reinforcing development efforts, sharing knowledge and experiences, and building partnerships between migrants’ countries of origin and host countries.”

“In this regard, I would like to hail Morocco’s pioneering experience in implementing an integrated and well coordinated migration policy which positively impacted the country’s economic development,” he said.

However, El Ouhichi had criticized migration policies of certain developing countries which drain several brains needed at home such as skilled labor in key priority sectors as health; education and scientific research, without respecting development partnerships.

Khalil Raihani from Morocco experts the forum will give youth a voice to tackle immigration issues

Khalil Raihani from Morocco is a consultant, and a member of the Council of Europe pool of Trainers. Khalil expects that this meeting will give youth a voice on such an important issue as immigration. As an Arab immigrant to France, Khalil wants to share his experience with all other participants.

Ioana-Delia Rusu from Romania expects to build networks to share her experience with other participants

Ioana-Delia Rusu from Romania works at the ARCA- Romanian Forum for Refugees and Migrants. She is currently working on a project called “Welcome to Romania!” which aims at improving the knowledge of the third country nationals concerning their rights, duties and integration opportunities into the Romanian society. Iona expects to build networks to share her experience with other participants.

Marie Polla from Switzerland expects the forum will strengthen dialogue between European and Arab youth & promote projects, partnerships & networks

Marie Polla from Switzerland is a volunteer in Amnesty International – Morocco and the facilitator of the integration and discrimination working group. Engaged, Marie moved to Morocco last summer to prepare for the event. She is happy that Morocco is hosting the forum this year especially that it is organized by a local non-governmental organization- The Mediterranean Forum for Youth and Childhood. During the Mollina meeting in Spain, Marie said it represented a chance for facilitators to meet and agree on common objectives. When asked about her expectations, Marie said “I expect this forum to strengthen dialogue between European and Arab youth and promote projects, partnerships and networks among participants at national, regional, and international levels.” Marie will be facilitating workshops, establishing dialogue and creativity among participants and making sure all participants reach common objectives. Marie hopes that participants would overcome prejudices and stereotypes, for “the success of this forum depends on everyone.”

Rasha Fityan from Palestine thinks the forum is a starting point to establish projects & policies to resolve youth migration issues

Rasha Fityan from Palestine, a member of the League of Arab States Youth Advisory Committee and the facilitator of the working group discussing human right and immigration believes that immigration is an issue of great importance for Arab youth, affecting different aspects of their lives. On the preparations of the forum, Rasha stated that the process began months ago in Spain where facilitators attended a preparatory meeting to set up the guidelines and themes of the forum. “The preparations took a lot of effort from everyone and I hope it will bear its fruits by the end of the forum,” she stressed. She added: “it is a starting point to establish projects and policies that might represent an entry to resolving youth migration problems.” Rasha expects to discuss the different causes of migration in both Arab and Europeans regions and establish communication around the issue.