Lesotho Strengthens Global Migration Engagement at IOM 116th Council Session

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane, participated in the 116th Session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council, where Member States discussed global migration trends, governance priorities, and collaborative strategies to ensure safe, orderly, and dignified migration. Lesotho’s participation highlighted its commitment to advancing international cooperation on migration management.

On the sidelines of the Council session, Minister Mpotjoane held bilateral meetings with key international counterparts, including IOM Director General Ms. Amy Pope, the Minister of the Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines, and the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs of Botswana.

In discussions with Ms. Pope, the Minister focused on enhancing Lesotho’s migration governance. Key topics included the progress of the Migration Data and Analysis System (MIDAS) installation, ethical recruitment practices, anti-trafficking initiatives, diaspora engagement, and climate-related mobility. The Minister also emphasized the potential of decentralised Agro-Market Aggregation Centres to boost rural livelihoods and reduce migration pressures.

During the engagement with the Philippines, both countries explored cooperation on labour migration management, skills development, and migrant worker protection. Minister Mpotjoane recognized the Philippines’ global leadership in labour migration and welcomed continued collaboration in multilateral forums.

The meeting with Botswana reinforced strong bilateral relations, with discussions focusing on enhancing labour mobility, protecting migrant workers, formalizing cross-border informal trade, and strengthening joint skills development initiatives, particularly in emerging sectors.

Across all engagements, Minister Mpotjoane underscored Lesotho’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships that enhance migration governance, expand economic opportunities, and safeguard the rights of migrants. These initiatives support Lesotho’s broader development agenda and reinforce the country’s active role in regional and global migration dialogue.