International Organization for Migration - 39th Standing Committee on Programs and Finance

Mr. Chair,

The Delegation of the Holy See has taken careful note of the recent IOM background document on return, reintegration and development.^[1] Any response to these issues must continuously be guided by the inviolable and God-given dignity of each person, regardless of migration status. Wherever possible, the return should be a voluntary and informed choice, taking place safely and with dignity, in full respect of the principle of non-refoulement and of the fundamental rights of every person.

The Delegation of the Holy See appreciates the recognition of the link between the sustainable reintegration of migrants and broader development processes. Indeed, sustainable reintegration is a process, not a single act. Every return and reintegration presupposes an initial departure, prompted by factors such as “limited economic opportunities, social exclusion, weak or inaccessible services, environmental pressures and fragile local systems.”^[2]

Therefore, a fully realized reintegration must consider the conditions in which return takes place. This highlights the need for investment and development in migrants’ home countries to address the root causes that compel them to leave. To facilitate the reintegration of returnees, international funding should be allocated, and policies that recognize and allow for the transfer of educational and other credentials earned abroad by returning citizens should be adopted allowing for rapid access to local labor markets[3]. A return that leaves the person with no real prospects or that is not carried out safely and with dignity is not a solution. It merely postpones a new departure, often in more dangerous conditions.

In this regard, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration rightly acknowledges the need for cooperation to facilitate dignified and sustainable return, readmission, and reintegration[4]. The importance of solidarity across borders, as part of the human family, must also be recognized. This requires a concerted approach to the governance of migration rather than an isolated one. In keeping with the principle of subsidiarity, the Catholic Church - through the numerous Catholic-inspired organizations and the countless dedicated diocesan programs - remains deeply committed to supporting migrants and refugees on their journeys. In this spirit, my Delegation welcomes the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches referenced by IOM in the background document. Returning migrants should be welcomed as persons whose experiences and skills are resources that can strengthen local economies, enrich community life, and build bridges among cultures, rather than being seen as a burden. Reintegration must be considered in the context of integral human development, which concerns each person a whole, not just economic indicators.

Furthermore, specific attention should be given to migrant families: those separated by migration, those who initially stayed behind, and those who may be left behind during the return process. The family is the original and fundamental unit of society, providing a foundation for coexistence and protecting against social fragmentation. Family unity and reunification are therefore not secondary considerations in the context of return and reintegration, but rather a fundamental condition for achieving long-term stability and success. Return policies should pay particular attention to children, whose best interests should be the primary consideration.

In conclusion, it is imperative to emphasize that migration and return should never be driven by desperation. The credibility of any return policy is measured by the manner in which it is executed. A return that is voluntary, informed and carried out in a safe and dignified manner will be more successful than one that is forced or poorly executed. However, it is important to note that if the return is not followed by development, it will not endure. It is vital to emphasize reintegration, which involves providing ongoing support to returnees, their families, and the communities that receive them until they can thrive independently and establish a future for themselves.

Thank you.