On the occasion of the general debate of the International Migration Review Forum, held on 7 May 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirmed its commitment to safe, orderly and regular migration, respectful of human dignity.
In its statement, the DRC advocated for integrated migration governance based on solidarity, shared responsibility, the protection of migrants, diaspora engagement, the fight against human trafficking, integrated border management, and consideration of displacement linked to climate change.
The full statement of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is published below. It was delivered by Mr. Jean-Claude Mbwankiem Niaroliem, Director and Head of Service for Congolese Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Francophonie and Congolese Diaspora.
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Madam President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the African Group and supports the African Group’s call to ensure coherence between migration, climate and development policies. According to IOM, 44 million African migrants are still within Africa.
However, the DRC wishes to add the following elements, reflecting national and regional priorities in the area of migration governance.
Madam President,
Africa is a continent in motion, and the DRC is one of its historic crossroads. Our country is experiencing complex migration dynamics, marked by internal mobility, cross-border movements and the hosting of displaced populations seeking protection in the eastern part of the country because of the unjustly imposed war.
For the DRC, migration is neither a new phenomenon nor an isolated challenge. It is deeply connected to our history, culture, geography and socio-economic realities. It must be addressed with dignity, humanity, responsibility and solidarity.
The DRC reaffirms its commitment to the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, as well as its attachment to the continental framework, particularly the Migration Policy Framework for Africa and the Kampala Convention. In this regard, we welcome the operationalization of the African Migration Observatory and support the African Group’s call to strengthen national and regional systems for data collection and harmonization.
Madam President,
Particular attention should, however, be paid to young people and African migrant workers, who are often exposed to criminal networks. This must be addressed through the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration.
With regard to the DRC, some notable progress should be highlighted, namely:
- the validation by the Government of the roadmap accompanied by an action plan for the Congolese diaspora;
- increased collaboration with multilateral technical partners such as IOM and UNHCR;
- the improvement of protection and assistance conditions for Congolese abroad;
- consular support for Congolese abroad;
- the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance to Congolese refugees in Uganda and Burundi, in collaboration with UNHCR, whom we thank.
In the DRC, and in accordance with the law, migrants enjoy protection rights without discrimination.
We also reiterate our request to international technical and financial partners to support national initiatives aimed at developing a public policy on migration management, which could ensure an integrated approach to border management, migrant protection, the fight against human trafficking and transnational organized crime.
Madam President,
Climate impacts are a major aggravating factor in our region. Climate-related displacement, whether internal or cross-border, requires coordinated responses, proactive adaptation and stronger community resilience.
The DRC underscores the importance of remittances and diaspora engagement, which constitute an essential lever for national development. We encourage initiatives aimed at reducing transfer costs, promoting digital solutions for data collection and strengthening innovative mechanisms for investment by the Congolese diaspora.
Madam President,
Finally, the DRC invites this Forum to demonstrate genuine commitment to the implementation of the objectives of the Global Compact, accompanied by adequate financial and technical support.
The history of migration is also closely linked to the history of Africa, and this Forum must reflect that truth.
I thank you.