INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION Regional Office for West and Central Africa. NEWSLETTER N 4 April 2013 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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1 INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION Regional Office for West and Central Africa NEWSLETTER N 4 April 2013 Regional workshop on combating migrant smuggling from 18 to 19 March 2013, Dakar INSIDE THIS ISSUE Information Technology training for immigration officers in Guinea IOM regional Director visits Nigeria IOM supports the Government of Ghana in the generation of reliable Labour Market Information Consulting with Civil Society for the protection of people on the move in West Africa Regional workshop on combating migrant trafficking Launch of the programme to support early recovery of Nigerien returnees from Libya and their host communities Communication training concerning the Nigerien diaspora Regional Security training workshop for IOM staff Promotion of Nigerian Diaspora Humanitarian Assistance to populations affected by floods in Chad Support for the return of highly qualified Chadians Internal training on Project Development The Government of Japan funds Humanitarian assistance projects in West Africa Celebrating the International Migrants Day in Senegal and Chad IOM Migration Crisis Operational Framework Workshop IOM Director General visits Nigeria IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 1 of 9

2 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS IN GUINEA With the support of the Canadian government, a two week training on basic computer literacy was provided by IOM in February The training is part of the project implementation to strengthen the capacity of border personnel in the management of migration flows at the border of Pamelap in the Republic of Guinea. This training initiated 43 border personnel to better use the System of Identification and Recognition of Persons (SIRP) installed by IOM and other basic informatics tools. Mrs. Carmela Godeau, IOM Regional Director and Mrs. Hajia Kangiwa, Commissioner of NCFR OIM SUPPORTS THE GOVERNMENT OF GHANA IN THE GENERATION OF RELIABLE LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION Ghana is one of the six countries implementing the project: Best Practices on Collecting and Sharing Labour Migration Data for the Improvement of the Labour Market Information Systems (LMISs), co funded by the European Commission and the Italian Ministry of interior. IOM s REGIONAL DIRECTOR VISITS NIGERIA Mrs. Carmela Godeau, Regional Director of IOM in Dakar presented her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Government of Nigeria on 26 March During this trip, the Regional Director also paid a visit to the Federal Representative of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to IOM s ECOWAS partners, Mr. Ahmed Hamid, Commissioner of the Free Movement, and Mrs. Adrienne Diop, Commissioner for Human Development and Gender. IOM Ghana, in partnership with the Labour Department under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, has developed a four year strategy and a labour market database, known as GhaMal. It was officially installed for the Labour Department on 14 and 15 January 2013, followed by a training for key staff on the usage and application of the software. The four year strategy as well as the GhaMal database will assist the Labour Department to generate accurate and reliable labour market information. It will also enhance the proper management and facilitation of labour migration movements and the development of policies concerning the labour market. IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 2 of 9

3 CONSULTING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE IN WEST AFRICA The Regional Office of IOM for West and Central Africa in Dakar organized a workshop with the civil society on January 29, 2013 at its premises. The workshop aimed at "Strengthening cooperation in the protection of people on the move in West Africa" and was part of the framework of the consultations with civil society, conducted by IOM since Several organizations of civil society (i.e. the Danish Refugees Council (DRC), Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of children for sexual purposes (ECPAT), Empire des Enfants, ENDA, African Movement of Working Children and Youth (AMWCY), Plan International, Samu Social, SOS Children's Villages International, the International Social Service (ISS) as well as International Organizations such as IOM Senegal and Kenya and UNHCR were among the participants. Main recommendations included the need to increase the assistance to unaccompanied minors and the harmonization of concepts used in the protection among the stakeholders. This will facilitate resolute action and advocacy and will ensure that issues related to mixed migration flows are taken into account by the governments. REGIONAL WHORKSHOP ON COMBATING MIGRANT SMUGGLING An information and training workshop on Combating Migrant Smuggling and Protecting People on the Move in West and Central Africa" was organized by the IOM Regional Office in Dakar on 18 and 19 March Mrs. Carmela Godeau, IOM Regional Director and H.E.Mr. Perry Calderwood, Ambassador of Canada to Senegal The training was part of a regional IOM project aiming at assisting voluntary returns and reintegration, funded by the Government of Canada. Since January 2012, the project has helped 537 smuggled Sri Lankan migrants stranded in West Africa to return home. The training was focused on strengthening the capacity of governments in combating migrant smuggling and protection of people on the move. 24 senior law enforcement officials, the gendarmerie and the immigration services, from 13 francophone countries in West and Central Africa attended the training. IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 3 of 9

4 LAUNCH OF THE PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT EARLY RECOVERY OF NIGERIEN RETURNEES FROM LIBYA AND THEIR HOST COMMUNITIES Funded by the European Union, the programme to support early recovery of Nigerien returnees from Libya and their host communities was launched on 21 February in Niamey. In total 3,125 people are targeted, including 2,675 returnees and 450 members of host communities who will benefit from technical support to facilitate the reintegration projects. A first group of returnees participated in a management training and have been supported in developing activities in the areas of agriculture, trade, transport and restoration, receiving respective equipment (bikes, refrigerators, sewing machines, supplies and other commodities). These activities will help to stabilize recipients and contribute to the development of their communities. Equipments for the Libyan returnees Abroad for the establishment of a Migrant Resource Center (MRC). The MRC provides information, advice and guidance (administrative procedures, investment opportunities, priorities and needs of the country, etc) concerning Nigeriens abroad, wishing to participate in the socio economic development of their country. Also, the training helped enhance the capacity of participants in the development of communication strategies for Nigerien abroad. REGIONAL SECURITY TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR IOM STAFF IOM Staff Security Unit conducted a Regional Security Training Workshop in Dakar, Senegal from March 2013 for 25 IOM staff members in Dakar to enhance security focal points safety and security management proficiency in their respective missions. The training included comprehensive theoretical presentations on Security Risk Assessment, Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS), Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS), security incident management and liaison with UNDSS. In collaboration with the Senegalese Gendarmerie Officer s Academy, the practical field training day enabled staff members to apply theoretical knowledge and critical response decision making in a high threat environment. COMMUNICATION TRAINING CONCERNING THE NIGERIEN DIASPORA A training workshop on "Communication for the Diaspora" was organized in Niger between 19 and 22 February It was realized in the framework of the project aiming at Strengthening African and Middle Eastern Diaspora Policy through South South Exchange (AMEDIP), funded by the European Union. The workshop aspired to enhance the institutional capacities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 4 of 9

5 This training was posted on the UNDSS Global Daily Report as the first ever Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) Training in Senegal. An armed attack simulation Africa. By highlighting the importance of costeffective remittance transfers and the creation of a social and political space for fair and accurate reporting of migratory movements, the workshop urged the development of a roadmap for effective and sustainable engagement of the Nigerian Diaspora in development. The second workshop was also attended by 35 participants from the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs (NCFR), the Network of Migration Research in Africa (NOMRA), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Nigeria in Diaspora Alumni Network (NIDAN), the National Population Commission (NPopC), the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministries of Information, of Trade and Investment and of Health, the National Universities Commission, the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and the Civil Society. A road traffic accidents simulation PROMOTING NIGERIA s DIASPORA Two workshops on Diaspora Policy Advocacy and Diaspora Mobilization Capacity Building took place in Abuja between 4 and 6 February 2013, funded by the European Union. The first workshop was held at the House of Assembly in Abuja. The 35 participants were members of the Diaspora House Committee, representatives from the European delegation, the Swiss Embassy, the Indian High Commission, the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago as well as representatives of the Diaspora Associations. The workshop was opened by the Chairman of the National Assembly. Main focus was on the tremendous role the African Diaspora plays in the development of As stated by the IOM Senior Regional Adviser for sub Saharan Africa in Geneva, Mr. Charles Kwenin, the governments need to be aware of their diaspora, build trust through services and feedbacks and mobilize stakeholders through high profile events in order to ensure an effective engagement of the diaspora. Additional focus was put on opportunities and constraints of the role of the banks and financial intermediaries in diaspora remittance transfers and investment in Nigeria. Also the importance of accurate policies to engage the diaspora for national development were of main interest, i.e. in job creation, expansion of the local market, IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 5 of 9

6 foreign exchange earnings and connection of foreign and local markets. HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO POPULATIONS AFFECTED BY FLOODS IN CHAD Following the floods affecting the population of Bongor in 2012, IOM, with the support and funding from Germany and at the request of local authorities, constructed two wells to facilitate access to drinking water. 17th February A gastroenterologist, Dr. Abakar Mahamat Abakar and an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Leonard Mbaindidje are the first qualified Chadians (residing in France) to have registered in the IOM initiative, funded by UNDP and with the support of the Chadian Ministry of Plan, Economy and International Cooperation. In addition, since the beginning of resettlement operations on 21 February 2013, IOM in partnership with community mobilizers and medical staff have supported the resettlement of 130 families and distributed hygiene kits and Non Food Items (NFIs) in Darkawaye. SUPPORT FOR RETURN OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED CHADIANS Two Chadian medical doctors benefited from the assisted return of the Chadian Qualified nationals Project and arrived at N Djamena on Sunday, Upon arrival at N'Djamena International Airport, the two Chadian Experts were met by the Secretary of the State of the Ministry of Planning, the Advisor of the Prime Minister, the UNDP Country Director, the IOM Chief of Mission in Chad as well as other government officials. The two doctors have expressed their satisfaction by stating: It's been a long time since I left Chad. As a gastroenterologist, I have been nursing the idea of returning to Chad to serve my compatriots, but the lack of means was the main constraint for me to return home. Often, we Chadians abroad gather to share ideas, proposals and concerns regarding the condition of the health sector in Chad, said Dr. Abakar. I'm glad to be back home and I hope I ll be able to realize my dream of supporting the Public Administration Services (Health and Higher Education) by providing care to the Chadian public at hospitals and Universities", said Dr. Mbaindidje. Conferences are scheduled at the Faculty of Medicine after which they will start providing their services at the N Djamena Reference Hospital. IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 6 of 9

7 According to IOM Chief of Mission in Chad the two Chadian doctors have the skills to improve medical services. They speak the languages spoken in Chad, they share the culture and above all, they have a privilege of possess local knowledge on a range of health matters. He also thanked UNDP for its tremendous material and moral support to make the first phase a success and appealed to all other development partners for additional funding for this national initiative which is part of the Millennium Development Goals. INTERNAL TRAINING ON PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT The Regional Office for West and Central Africa organized a training on project development in Dakar from 21 to 23 January THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN FUNDS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE PROJECTS IN WEST AFRICA Under the Japanese funding program for humanitarian assistance, IOM benefited of an overall grant of 43.5 million U.S. dollars for the implementation of projects in several countries in the Middle East and Africa in The grant will allow the implementation of five projects in the region of West Africa, worth 8 million U.S. dollars. These projects will focus on community support and stabilization in Côte d'ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Liberia. CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY IN DAKAR IOM celebrated the international Migrants Day on December 18 th 2013 with this year s theme: Migrants affected by the crisis. This theme refers to the Libyan crisis which necessitated the evacuation of more than 200,000 migrants by IOM and its partners. The event was held under the patronage of the State Minister for Senegalese abroad and was organized with support from the Dutch Embassy in Dakar. This training was the fourth internal training provided on project development and the first in French after the introduction of the structural reform of IOM. The aim was to establish and discuss the newly introduced tools and procedures for project development with IOM countries representatives Missions from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Guinea, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo. The event aimed at raising awareness among participants (government partners, international organizations, civil society organizations, migrants and migrants associations) on migrants rights in general and in particular on the vulnerability of returned migrants in their countries of origin in the context of the Libyan crisis. A photo exhibition under the theme of the day was presented to the public, composed of pictures taken by IOM staff in their daily activities to assist migrants. This event reiterated IOM s commitment to work for the rights and welfare of migrants, highlighted by the implementation of IOM s Migration Crisis IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 7 of 9

8 Operational Framework. The Director of Migration management department in Geneva, Mrs. Irena Vjackova Sollorano also attended the event and recalled that, December 18 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and Members of their Families pointing out IOM s mobilization that encourages widespread ratification and effective implementation of this international convention. CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY IN N DJAMENA In Chad, the celebration coincided with the first anniversary of Chad's accession to IOM and was chaired by His Excellency Emmanuel Nadingar, Prime Minister and Head of Government. The IOM MCOF was developed throughout 2012 at the request of IOM Member States pursuant to their growing interest in the migration consequences of crisis situations and was endorsed during the 101st Session of the IOM Council, held on November The MCOF is an institution wide tool that IOM is using to better respond to the migration aspects of crises. The Operational Framework is organized around two pillars, namely the phases of a crisis and IOM s 15 sectors of assistance, allowing for a flexible, comprehensive and context specific response to a variety of crises, thereby allowing IOM to help crisis affected populations to better access their fundamental rights to protection and assistance. IOM DIRECTOR GENERAL VISITS NIGERIA The purpose of the visit was to strengthen relationship between the Government of Nigeria and IOM. During this trip, Mr. William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, met with government officials in Ministries and Institutions with Migration related functions and responsibilities as well as bi lateral and multi lateral partners between the 17 th and 18 th of April In his speech, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by IOM in Chad for migrants in general and its intervention for Chadian migrant workers during the Libyan crisis in particular. IOM MIGRATION CRISIS OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK WORKSHOP A workshop to initiate the launch of the IOM Migration Crisis Operational Framework (MCOF) was organized by IOM Headquarters in Geneva from 15 to 17 April Nigeria IOM Staff with Mr. Swing Among them the Director General encountered the Minister for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister for Interior, Minister for State for Foreign Affairs 1, Chairman of National Population Commission, Speaker of IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 8 of 9

9 the National Assembly, the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation and the United Nations Resident Coordinator. During his meetings the Director General stated that he had seen a great desire by the government to address human trafficking and reiterated that IOM was committed to work with the government to improve migration management through establishing of migration policies at the national level and with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the regional level. He stressed that with the right migration policies put in place, the government could make significant progress in addressing migration challenges particularly human trafficking. One of the highlights of his visit was a press briefing with the media where he stressed the important role they could play in changing the negative perception of migrants. Regional Office for West and Central Africa Résidence Hôtelière des Mamelles BP : Dakar-Fann Sénégal Tel. : Fax : rodakar@iom.int Internet : IOM Regional Office for West and Central Africa Dakar Page 9 of 9