Statement by the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania Mr. Vladislav Kondratovič at the International Migration Review Forum, Policy Debate
Statement by the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania Mr. Vladislav Kondratovič at the International Migration Review Forum, Policy Debate on Wednesday, 6 May 2026.
Thank you, Chair,
Lithuania would like to highlight a serious challenge for migration governance — the instrumentalization of migrants.
In recent years, we have seen migration used as a tool of pressure against states and societies.
This is not only about criminal networks.
Hostile regimes are intentionally creating and directing migration flows for political purposes.
People are being exposed to danger and suffering for political gain.
This practice violates human dignity.
It puts pressure on national systems, border authorities, and communities.
It also undermines trust in international migration governance.
Our region has experienced these actions directly.
We believe that migration management must be firm, humane, and united.
We must protect people, fight organised crime, and defend our borders.
But we must also send a clear message:
migration must never be used as an instrument for political pressure.
According to the Compact on Migration, we must ensure and develop a sustainable migration management process; unfortunately, such attacks do not contribute to this. On the contrary.
Lithuania remains committed to working with international partners to ensure migration is safe, orderly, and regular — and never exploited for destabilisation.
Thank you.
