UN TEAM TO VISIT A&B; GOVERNMENT COMMENDED FOR “DIGNIFIED” APPROACH TO WEST AFRICAN MIGRANT ISSUE

Two United Nations agencies are expected to send a team to Antigua and Barbuda next week, to conduct a rapid assessment of the West African migrants who arrived in the country late last year.
The International Organisation for Migration and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are expected to spearhead this move, and have reaffirmed their willingness to support the Government in addressing the issue.
UN resident coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq made the announcement in a letter to Development Commissioner, Ambassador Daven Joseph, dated Monday, March 20.
The UN official says the team will be in the country for an initial 7 to 10 days as a prerequisite, to better understand the profile, needs and intention of the West African Migrants.
Trebucq says the Government’s willingness to address this situation in a “humane and dignified manner in accordance with international law is noted with appreciation.”