Humanitarian Assistance / Emergency Assistance
Meeting between Foreign Minister Kamikawa and Director General Pope, the International Organization for Migration
December 14, 2023
On December 13, commencing at 6:45 p.m. local time (2:45 a.m. on December 14, Japan time) for approximately 25 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during her visit to Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 2nd Global Refugee Forum (GRF), held a meeting with Ms. Amy E. Pope, Director General, the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa congratulated Director General Pope on her appointment as the first female Director General of the IOM. She stated that in order to improve the deteriorating humanitarian situation, we should have a vision of a future in which each and every refugee and displaced person can talk about and achieve their dreams. She stated that Japan would provide support for their independence, and emphasized the importance of the perspective on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), which is essential when implementing such assistance.
- In response, IOM Director General Pope expressed her gratitude for Japan's support and her expectations for future cooperation. She explained the latest humanitarian situation and IOM’s activities, stating that she shares the recognition with Minister Kamikawa on the importance of the WPS perspective. She also expressed hope for increased cooperation with Japan on specific projects, including those in Pacific Island countries.
- Minister Kamikawa and Director General Pope concurred on continuing to work closely together in areas such as capacity development on adaption for climate change in the Asia Pacific region and Japan’s refugee acceptance through the refugee resettlement system.