Global lawmakers set to discuss migration reforms, refugee protection

GENEVA, March 20 (KUNA) -- Parliamentarians from over 137 countries will discuss parliamentary amendments to UN-led reforms on the rights and protection of migrants and refugees, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) said on Tuesday.
According to UN estimates, migrants of around 258 million, who occupy about 3.4 percent of the global population, are offered "insufficient protection" in their host countries, the IPU said in a statement.
During the five-day 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva on Saturday, more than 740 MPs will discuss a "new migration regime." "MPs will look in detail at their contribution to ensuring domestic enforcement of the two related Global Compacts expected to be adopted by the UN community later this year," added the statement.
The IPU Assembly will also run two workshops and a high-level interactive panel on the matter followed by discussions on universal health coverage.
Separately, IPU Members will adopt a resolution on sustaining peace as a vehicle for achieving sustainable development and another on engaging the private sector in implementing UN-adopted Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in relation to renewable energy. (end) ta.sd