Statement by India on Agenda item 10: Senior Leadership Structure of the Organization of the 110th Annual Session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council delivered by Dr. Sadre Alam, First Secretary 

Thank you Mr. Chair.

2. My delegation appreciates your efforts to present the draft resolution on this agenda item. While we have no objection in principle to its substance including the timeframe, we are of the opinion that the mandate of the proposed working group should not be limited only to the proposal of the DG or only to amendments to the IOM constitution which nevertheless will be important elements for consideration.

3. We would like a clear and preeminent reference to the issue of fair and balanced geographical representation in the top management of IOM as a critical means to strengthen it. This is a major concern which may not be adequately addressed in a nomination based process of appointment as against an electoral process of selection unless specifically provided for as part of the related rules or guidelines. We would like to therefore see appropriate amendments to the draft resolution to reflect these.

4. Mr. Chair, we also do not share the view that the outcome of an election based selection process is at odds with merit. The leadership of this organization like several other organizations in the U.N. system is testimony to this.

5. Further, we are flexible as regards the zero text of the resolution which would form the basis of our consultations.

6. Finally, we would like to reiterate that the way forward on this important issue of strengthening IOM should naturally only be by consensus.

 Thank you.

28 November 2019