PALIKIR, Pohnpei – On October 8, 2024, Vice President Aren B. Palik officially launched the first-ever Migration Taskforce Training in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The training, held at the Central Building in Palikir, is specifically designed for members of the Migration Taskforce, which was formed under Executive Order by President Simina.
In his opening address, Vice President Palik underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges posed by migration. “President Simina’s executive order reflects the need to thoroughly examine the issues surrounding the migration of FSM citizens. A holistic approach is crucial, as the challenges we face are interconnected and complex,” he stated. He also highlighted that feedback from recent administration outreach efforts has revealed a growing demand for greater support for citizens impacted by migration.
“The Taskforce has a critical role in studying the facts, trends, and issues that inform our decision-making process. By understanding the full scope of migration impacts, both individually and collectively, the Taskforce will be able to deliver comprehensive, reliable, and sensible recommendations to the Administration.”
The Vice President also underscored the significance of recent outreach activities conducted by the Simina-Palik Administration, both within FSM and abroad, to gather feedback from citizens facing migration-related issues. “It has become evident that our citizens require more services and support from the National Government,” he said. “Determining how best to deliver these services effectively and comprehensively is one of the key challenges we must address.”
Vice President Palik further acknowledged the role of the Amended Compact in facilitating visa-free entry for FSM citizens into the United States for education, healthcare, and other lawful purposes. While recognizing the benefits, he also expressed concern about the growing number of FSM citizens being deported back to the islands and the absence of reintegration programs to support them. “We need to develop reintegration programs to prevent the potential negative impacts deportees could have on our communities,” he stressed.
Additionally, Vice President Palik pointed to the potential link between migration and climate change, emphasizing the need for further study to better understand the extent of climate-induced migration within FSM. He encouraged the Taskforce to consider this in its work.
The Vice President expressed his gratitude to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for partnering with the FSM Government on this initiative. “IOM’s expertise will be invaluable in supporting the efforts of the Taskforce,” he said.
The training, led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), focuses on equipping taskforce members with the skills and knowledge to craft a National Migration Policy tailored to the unique needs and priorities of FSM. The program runs from October 8 to October 10, 2024.
Among the attendees were IOM Chief of Mission Salvatore Sortino, Secretary of the Department of Resource & Development Hon. Elina Akinaga, Secretary of the Department of Education Hon. Gardenia Aisek, and newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Justice Hon. Leonito Bacalando Jr.
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