Over 70 leaders representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector and academia from around the world attended the high level conference to address a critical gap in migrant protection: access to legal identity organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ankara, Türkiye on 14–15 April.
“This conference comes at a critical moment as governments transition toward digital identity systems, especially in Africa and the Middle East,” said Nelson Goncalves, IOM Head of Legal Identity Unit, as stated in IOM notes.
Legal identity is a fundamental human right and a key enabler of safe, orderly and regular migration. Yet millions of migrants worldwide still lack recognized identification, restricting access to essential services, legal pathways and protection. Participants focused on how practical, secure and inclusive digital identity systems can help reduce these risks, particularly for people affected by displacement, conflict or administrative barriers.
Serving as a global platform for exchange, the conference examined how digital identity systems can strengthen migration governance systems while contributing to broader development goals. Participants focused on real-world solutions, including biometrics, mobile-based identity and other digital tools, while emphasizing the safeguards needed to ensure these systems are inclusive, rights-based and used responsibly.
The COMPASS programme (Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions) meeting identified aspects of migration issues and shaped the next steps for strengthening legal identity systems.
Andaman Sea Tragedy claims 250 lives
Meanwhile, in another press notes, IOM expresses deep concern over reports that approximately 250 people are feared dead or missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea.
The trawler, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was en route to Malaysia, reportedly sank on 9 April due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding.
In 2025, more than 6,500 Rohingya refugees embarked on dangerous maritime journeys from Bangladesh and Myanmar, almost 900 of whom lost their lives on the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal specifically, deaths and disappearances increased by over 40 per cent from 2024 (598) to 2025 (860), according to IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, citing data from UNHCR.
IOM urges the international community to step up solidarity and sustain funding for refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, as well as to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and enable conditions for safe and dignified return and reintegration.
