site.btaPresident Plevneliev in New York: Tackling Migration Is a Global Responsibility

President Plevneliev in New York:Tackling Migration Is a Global Responsibility

New York/Sofia, September 20 (BTA) - Addressing the Summit for Refugees and Migrants at UN Headquarters in New York on September 19, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said the responsibility for tackling migrant and refugee flows should be shared globally, the President's Press Secretariat reported. Plevneliev said: "The countries of origin, transit and destination should all pool their efforts in a spirit of mutual support and solidarity."

He said the Summit for Refugees and Migrants is an unprecedented meeting which can identify a global approach to managing migrant and refugee flows. He remarked: "We need to focus on the root causes of migration. We should find a lasting solution to conflicts and address human rights violations, socioeconomic difficulties and the lack of good governance in the countries of origin."

According to Plevneliev, adhering to international law in the field of humanitarian affairs and human rights, exercising efficient control of national borders and implementing readmission agreements are key elements of migration management. Bulgaria welcomes the appeal in the New York Declaration for comprehensive implementation of effective readmission agreements, he said.

"It is essential to draw a clear distinction between refugees and economic migrants who are not eligible to receive refugee status. Many illegal migrants fall victim to criminal networks and human trafficking when they try to cross borders illegally," he said.

The President noted that Bulgaria strictly observes international humanitarian and human rights law. The country has already adopted its first resettlement programme and expects the nations which do not have such programmes to make sure they do.

Bulgaria will take part in the forthcoming negotiations for a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Legal Migration, which will establish a set of principles, commitments and shared assumptions for the UN member countries about international migration in all its aspects, including humanitarian affairs, development, security and human rights, Plevneliev said in his address.