Principles and measures to obtain more coherent and collaborative policy making on migration and development

Abstract

Attempts to achieve coherent approaches and coordination on migration and development will not succeed if the terms of debate are imposed in advance and without discussion by all con cerned. So far the debate on migration and development has been one -sided: it has been overwhelmingly driven by northern governments and by international agencies. Southern states and civil society organizations have been brought in, but usually as partners for implementation, rather than as equals in setting principles and priorities. Northern governments, supranational bodies and international agencies have varying interests and perspectives on migration and development, and they hold frequent meetings on migration control and management. Southern states also have varying approaches, but have had little communication between themselves. They have had marginal roles in global fora, while migrant associations have usually had none at all.