S. African minister calls for continental approach to migration

South Africa has called for the implementation of an African Union (AU) decision to convene a continent-wide conference to address the root causes of migration and challenges associated with irregular migration, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said Wednesday.



Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Lamola said migration is a continental phenomenon that requires a comprehensive and collective response rather than discussions focusing on a single country.



His remarks followed a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council not to discuss migration at an upcoming AU mid-year review meeting.



Lamola said South Africa continued to support the implementation of a resolution adopted at the 25th AU Assembly in Johannesburg in 2015, which called for an African conference on migration.