The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have welcomed the official entry into force of the European Union’s (EU) Pact on Migration and Asylum, calling it a vital opportunity to establish a more predictable, fair, and effective system across Europe.
The heads of both agencies urged EU Member States to seize the moment to strengthen migration management and refugee protection, while advancing solidarity and responsibility-sharing in line with international obligations.
“The Pact’s entry into full effect is an important step toward a more predictable and coherent European migration system,” said Amy Pope, Director General of the IOM. “What matters now is steady implementation over time that is effective, humane, sustainably resourced and grounded in cooperation. The priority is turning the reforms into practical results for States, communities, and people on the move.”
The new framework aims to streamline EU asylum systems, reduce application backlogs, and provide greater certainty for asylum-seekers to help refugees integrate and rebuild their lives sooner.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih echoed these sentiments, noting that the pact advances shared responsibility across the bloc.
“UNHCR stands ready to support all Member States in strengthening asylum systems, ensuring access to protection for those in need, upholding human rights and dignity, and enabling safe, lawful and dignified returns for those not in need of international protection,” Salih stated.
Both organisations welcomed specific elements of the reform, including the earlier identification of vulnerable individuals, enhanced legal assistance, and the introduction of independent monitoring mechanisms at external borders. They also backed the EU’s renewed focus on external partnerships to tackle smuggling networks and expand safe, regular pathways.
However, the IOM and UNHCR stressed that implementation will be the ultimate test of the pact’s success, warning that expedited procedures must maintain strict safeguards to ensure no one is returned to face persecution, conflict, or serious harm.
–ChannelAfrica/IOM–
