Cairo, November 30, 2024 — The Arab League is reaffirming its dedication to addressing the pressing challenges of migration and refugee issues in the region, as it works to support Arab countries in formulating effective, data-driven policies. Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League and Head of Economic Affairs, emphasized the critical need for accurate and reliable migration data to guide decision-making and enhance the region's response to growing refugee and displacement crises.
Speaking at the Arab League headquarters on the sidelines of a pivotal workshop on migration and displacement statistics, Dr. Al-Maliki highlighted the magnitude of the migration challenges facing Arab countries. Many of these nations are grappling with significant increases in the number of refugees and displaced persons due to ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and other regional crises. The growing pressures demand a coordinated and strategic approach to manage migration flows, provide humanitarian assistance, and support the integration of displaced populations into host communities.
The three-day workshop, organized in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), serves as a critical platform for discussing and advancing solutions to the migration and displacement crisis. With an emphasis on international recommendations and best practices, the workshop is designed to bolster the capacity of Arab League member states to improve their migration data collection and analysis. This, in turn, will enable countries to better understand migration trends, predict future needs, and develop informed policies to protect vulnerable populations.
Participants in the workshop include key officials from national statistical agencies and those responsible for collecting and analyzing migration and displacement data. These experts will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening the region's ability to assess and respond to migration and displacement challenges in a timely and effective manner. By enhancing the region's data management capabilities, the Arab League hopes to lay the groundwork for more robust, evidence-based policies that can address the root causes of displacement and support refugees in their journey toward safety and stability.
Ambassador Al-Maliki further noted that the workshop aligns with the Arab League's broader efforts to create a comprehensive and unified framework for migration governance in the region. As millions of refugees continue to seek safety in Arab countries, accurate data and well-coordinated policies are vital to ensuring that displaced persons receive the protection and support they need.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Al-Maliki underscored the League's commitment to fostering regional cooperation on migration and displacement issues, pointing to the importance of aligning national efforts with international standards and best practices. The workshop marks an important step toward strengthening the Arab region's response to one of the most urgent humanitarian challenges of our time. By empowering member states with the tools and knowledge to effectively manage migration statistics, the Arab League is helping to ensure that the region remains a beacon of solidarity and support for refugees and displaced individuals.