With the support of the Secretary of State for the European Union the International Platform for Cooperation and Migration (IPCM) held the Third Conference on "EU Migratory Policies" (read programme),in Madrid on 19 September, a day which gave the 70 plus attendees the opportunity to extend their knowledge and raise questions for and/or comments to the different speakers. Below we provide a brief summary of speeches:

The IPCM board, meeting in Madrid made the following statement:

The International Platform for Cooperation and Migration (IPCM) follows the international community's political agenda with great interest, paying particular attention to the growing phenomenon of migration.

Specifically:

- On 14 September, the Debate on the State of the Union, in Strasbourg.

- On 16 September, the European Summit in Bratislava.

- On 19 September, the UN Summit on Refugees and Migrants, in New York.

The IPCM considers that the measures taken by the EU are positive developments, however it hopes for a more cohesive common policy and greater understanding of - and solidarity with - the countries in the South, who are the first to receive the influx of illegal migrants.

The IPCM particularly welcomes the New York Declaration, soon to be adopted, as this provides a long-term view, beyond emergency situations and humanitarian aid. It is a historic landmark that 193 UN member states are working to strengthen the 1951 Convention, to provide a shared response, along with opportunities for education and employment.

The IPCM urges its organisations and all civic society to continue working within the framework of international agreements, to achieve the welfare of migrants, displaced persons and refugees.

Madrid, september 18th 2016

In 2001 the UN General Assembly declared 20 June as World Refugee Day to recall the millions of people uprooted worldwide. That same year the first "World Refugee Day" was held internationally.

In commemoration of World Refugee Day, from the IPCM we express our solidarity with the thousands and thousands of people who leave their country, fleeing from war and persecution in search of better lives for themselves and their families, and we appeal to the responsibility of governments of all countries to help these people, save lives and ensure the safety of everyone, with an open and democratic spirit in a plural society.

In successive statements the International Platform for Cooperation and Migration (IPCM) has expressed its concern over refugees. These can be consulted on this website.