oa كلمة السيد حافظ شقير

1. The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD) organized a symposium on Family, Migration and Dignity from the 27th to 29th March 2012 in Doha, Qatar.

2. Experts dealing with various aspects of migration, human rights and social development were invited from a broad geographical distribution to participate in the meeting in their personal capacities. The Experts included academicians, practitioners, NGOs and experts from UN agencies.

3. The symposium was opened by H.E. Mrs Noor Al Malki Executive Director of the DIIFSD. Her statement was followed by statements from M .Hafedh Chekir, the Regional Director of UNFPA and M .Patrick Taran, President of Global Migration Policy Associates.

4. Eight sessions followed by three dialogue sessions were held during the symposium. Each session considered a different topic. Session 1 focused on migrant families in destination countries: experiences, Session 2 discussed families in origin countries affected by migration, Session 3 considered gender, family and migration, Session 4 discussed specific impact on and risks for children, Session 5 focused on regimes of migration: impacts, costs and issues, Session 6 considered training, schooling and employment for affected children and youth, Session 7 was devoted to policy considerations and the concluding session discussed the recommendations and the way forward.