Explanation of Position of the Islamic Republic of Iran 

on the Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum

New York, 20 May 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chairman,

The delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged constructively in the negotiation of the text of the Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum in an effort to accurately reflect all root causes and dimensions of migration. In the spirit of constructive flexibility, my delegation has joined the consensus on the aforementioned document but still believes that there are a number of concepts that unfortunately do not enjoy consensus.

 My delegation is of the view that the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration as well as the Progress Declaration of the IMRF hinges on different national realities, capacities, levels of development as well as national policies and priorities. The Islamic Republic of Iran, like any other state and under its sovereign right, governs migration policies within its jurisdiction while taking into account its priorities as well as economic and social circumstances.

Based on this approach, I would like to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the Global Compact for Migration as well as the Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum as two completely non-legally-binding, voluntary-based instruments simply presenting a number of non-obligatory guidelines, suggestions and recommendations to enhance cooperation among States in the management of migration flows without imposing, in any way, new legal obligations. 

My delegation also officially announces that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not committed - at all - to those parts and elements of the Global Compact for Migration as well as the Progress Declaration, which, in one way or another, are in contradiction with the national priorities, laws, regulations, legislation and policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Islamic principles, instructions and teachings as well as the cultural and religious norms, traditions and values of Iranian society. As such, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no legal obligation vis-à-vis the implementation of the above-mentioned instruments. It is to be noted that any voluntary use of some parts or elements of these instruments would only be possible when and where the relevant competent national authorities confirm that those parts of the said instruments have no contradiction with the above-mentioned principles. Moreover, in all domestic relevant issues, national plans, programs and strategies shall enjoy total priority and would be considered as the sole and final source of action and reference for my Country. Moreover, nothing in the Compact and the Declaration should be construed as confounding migrants with refugees. Apparently, they are distinct groups governed by separate legal frameworks.

My delegation also disassociates itself from paragraph 49 in which the phrase “multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination” is used which we do not consider it as consensual language.

As a Country that has continued to face large mixed migratory flows with significant economic and social impacts for several decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran is of the view that managing international migration and the implementation of the GCM as well as the Progress Declaration - in order to work for all - should result in reducing inequality within and among countries. Migration should be transformed from a means of escape from poverty for some to an instrument that can eradicate poverty for all. Addressing the drivers and root causes of migration while paying special attention to the nexus between migration and development is vital. Migration should be comprehended from this perspective and facilitated in a way to reduce inequalities among Member States. 

 My delegation also believes that the impact of migrants on their host countries is a function of the specific circumstances, such as the level of development and demographic situation, of any given Host Country. Thus, it would be an invalid generalization to depict migration as an engine or element for development irrespective of the above-mentioned factors and variables. While a number of developed countries avoid taking their share of responsibility for migrants and refugees, the global compact as well as the Progress Declaration cannot increase the responsibilities of some developing countries. 

Finally, my delegation would like to emphasize that any document addressing the different aspects of the issues related to migrants, refugees and displaced persons should strongly condemn and urge for the elimination of all forms of unilateral coercive measures and unilateral sanctions against developing countries hosting huge populations of refugees and migrants. Such a stance should be taken with respect to the negative impacts of these illegal actions affecting the capacity and ability of host countries shouldering the heavy burden of these populations, which are enormous and impossible to estimate. 

 Mr. Chairman,

my delegation would like to request this statement be put in the official records and relevant reports of this meeting.