JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Africa has called for the implementation of an African Union (AU) decision to convene a continent-wide conference to address the root causes of migration and challenges associated with irregular migration, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said Wednesday.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Lamola said migration is a continental phenomenon that requires a comprehensive and collective response rather than discussions focusing on a single country.
His remarks followed a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council not to discuss migration at an upcoming AU mid-year review meeting.
Lamola said South Africa continued to support the implementation of a resolution adopted at the 25th AU Assembly in Johannesburg in 2015, which called for an African conference on migration.
The proposed conference should consider ways to accelerate mobility and development within Africa while addressing increased irregular migration and strengthening the continent's capacity to manage migration flows, he said.
Lamola said discussions on migration should address its root causes and contributing factors, including climate change, economic conditions, peace and stability, democratic governance and regional integration.
"There is no discussion that will be helpful that will just focus on South Africa, because we are not the only country facing a migration challenge," he said.
Lamola said the conference should also enable African countries to discuss the root causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a collective continental approach to preventing violence, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance.
African migration remains largely within the continent. South Africa, Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire are among the key destinations for intra-African migrants, according to the minister.
Lamola said the AU should revive and implement the resolution adopted in 2015 rather than treating migration as an issue unique to South Africa.
South Africa would also continue cooperating with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, which is expected to visit the country for discussions on migration-related issues, he added. ■
