One third of the 190 million immigrants live in Europe. Between 1990 and 2005 alone, Europe had 15 million immigrants, many coming from Africa. These are figures provided by the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in his message to the International Conference about "Migration and dignity: Europe and Africa together for a migratory policy in the Mediterranean", which is being held at Pozzallo (Ragusa), promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration (Iom). Figures which, according to Annan, "show significant developments. Firstly, international migration will keep increasing in the near future. Secondly, the phenomenon of migration is an integral part of the development process. The key issue is not if or how to stop it, but how to make sure its positive impact on development is maximised. Thirdly, migration has become a priority in the European and international political agenda". "Opening the legal channels reads the message is essential to fight illegal immigration. Otherwise, immigrants use illegal means, thus feeding the organised crime networks. "The EU Commission concluded Annan identified four areas in which migration can contribute to development: the emigrants’ remittances, involvement of diasporas, temporary migration and returns, brain drain. The UN Secretary also announced that on September 14th and 15th, the General Assembly will hold a meeting on the subject.” ”
