EU and Africa agreed on concrete cooperation in migration issues
Ministry of the Interior
23 November, 2006
The European Union and African States agreed on concrete cooperation in migration issues at the first high-level Conference on Migration and Development held on 22-23 November in Tripoli, Libya. Mr Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr Kari Rajamäki, Minister of the Interior, attended the conference as representatives of the Finnish Presidency of the EU.
The conference adopted the Joint Africa-EU Declaration on Migration and Development and the Plan of Action on Trafficking in Human Beings. They will provide a basis for cooperation between the EU and Africa in years to come, and support the EU's effort to strengthen political dialogue on migration and development issues with Africa.
"It is in the interest of all States that migration is managed, controlled and fair. The best way of finding solutions is an open dialogue even on issues that are considered difficult. It is of crucial importance that the EU and Africa can cooperate openly to prevent illegal immigration. This conference has significantly advanced cooperation between EU and Africa," stressed Mr Rajamäki in his concluding speech.
"An important issue related to the fight against illegal immigration is to ensure effective return and readmission policies between the countries concerned. Returns should always be carried out in dignity and with respect for human rights," said Mr Rajamäki
Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Ministers responsible for Migration and Development Ministers from Africa and EU Member States stated in their joint declaration that the root causes of migration within and from Africa are poverty, underdevelopment, unsolved conflicts, lack of security and poor governance.
The declaration states that large spontaneous and unregulated migrant flows can have a significant impact on national and international stability and security, for example by hindering States' ability to exercise effective control over their borders and creating tensions between countries of origin, transit and destination in Africa and within local host communities. Well-managed migration, on the other hand, can support the development of both host and origin countries.
Mr Rajamäki said at the meeting that an effective fight against human trafficking calls for active cooperation both at regional and international levels. The Plan of Action on Trafficking in Human Beings adopted by the conference is a significant step for EU-Africa cooperation in combating human
trafficking. The plan of action focuses particularly on the protection of women and children, including preventive measures for victim protection and assistance.
The joint Africa-EU Declaration on Migration and Development and the Plan of Action on Trafficking in Human Beings which were adopted at the conference can be found at http://www.eu2006.fi(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window).
For further information, please contact Eero Koskenniemi, Governmental Counsellor, tel. +358 9 160 42734; Johanna Puiro, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 9 160 42265; and Kaija Uusisilta, Head of Press and Communications Services, tel. +358 9 160 42949, +358 40 561 2268 Europeiska unionen och Afrika avtalar om ett konkret migrationssamarbete
Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)