Naujienos

Lietuvos Vidaus reikalaų ministro Dailiaus Barakausko pasisakymas JT aukšto lygio dialoge dėl tarptautinės migracijos ir vystymosi, Niujorke, 2013 m. spalio 3 d. (anglų k.)

I would like to underline the importance that Lithuania attaches to this High-level Dialogue in our role as the current Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In this respect may I recall the Conclusions of the Council of the EU and of the Representatives of Governments of the EU Member States meeting within the Council on the 2013 UN High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Development and on broadening the development-migration nexus, which define the approach of the EU and its Member States for the High-level Dialogue.

Lithuania fully supports what has been said by the Commissioner Malmström on behalf of the European Union and would like to add some final statements to that.

Mr. President,

The EU and its Member states are convinced that economic growth can be further underpinned by policies on global and intra-regional labour mobility such as policies that ensure more targeted skills development, skills certification and skills recognition schemes, especially in sectors where there is a shortage of trained personnel. For example, training partnerships could make valuable contributions to increasing the supply of trained personnel for both countries of origin and destination in sectors experiencing labour shortages, through appropriate mechanisms to match demand and supply.

In this context it is necessary to consider reviewing possible barriers to mobility in order to facilitate economic relations, prosperity and regional integration, taking into account the situation of the respective labour markets and security concerns. In our view the regional organisations are particularly well-placed to facilitate regional mobility, which is why processes and regional organisations involved in promoting orderly, regular and safe intra-regional migration and mobility between developing countries should be supported.

It is crucial to ensure adequate protection, empowerment and decent working standards for migrant workers. Potential migrants should receive accurate information about immigration procedures, entitlements and obligations, since this will contribute to reducing the vulnerability of migrants.

Mr. President,

I would also like to highlight a number of issues under consideration as perceived from our national perspective.

Lithuania with its three million population has really very long emigration history and a strong diaspora. Like many European countries, Lithuania experienced large emigration at the beginning of the last century. Migration, especially emigration, became a reality again during the nineties and especially over the last few years.

It is estimated that today, more than 1,3 million people of Lithuanian origin reside outside the borders of Lithuania, of which about 300 thousand hold the Lithuanian citizenship. Therefore the Lithuanian government consider as one of its priorities to deploy that potential by promoting the idea that no matter where Lithuanians reside, they should have a possibility to develop contacts with their country of origin and to contribute to its development.

In our efforts to find innovative ways to engage Lithuanian diasporas to participate in state life and contribute to its development we have learned some important points. Lithuania will share its experience in this regard at the Round Table 3 tomorrow morning.

Mr. President,

Let me conclude by stressing the importance the EU and its Member States attach to this High-level Dialogue and its follow-up. Thank you for your attention.