The IGAD Regional Migration Policy Framework (IRMPF) is a sectoral framework that addresses migration-related challenges and opportunities within the IGAD region, with particular focus on issues such as migration and pastoralism, migration and human security, and internal displacement arising from political instability and conflict. The overall objective of the Framework is to support the implementation of coordinated initiatives that respond to the specific migration needs of IGAD Member States in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The IRMPF provides a coherent regional strategy to guide migration management programmes in line with IGAD’s mandate as a leading regional economic community. It aims to strengthen systematic, harmonized, and well-coordinated migration governance across the region while encouraging Member States to take into account their national contexts and priorities. The Framework further supports Member States in developing comprehensive and holistic national migration policies capable of addressing country-specific migration challenges and concerns. Recognizing migration as an important feature of an increasingly interconnected world, the Framework promotes the effective management of regular migration in a manner that benefits both individuals and societies. The Policy Framework is a comprehensive and integrated reference document that is non-binding in nature, scope, and content. It provides a broad range of recommendations on migration-related issues to guide governments in the development and implementation of migration policies and programmes. Member States are therefore encouraged to adopt and adapt the elements of the Framework according to their specific national migration contexts, priorities, and challenges. The main strategies of the Framework are organized according to different forms of migration and related migration management priorities as follows (i) Labour migration: The Framework seeks to promote safe, orderly, and regular labour mobility through the harmonization of labour laws, recruitment systems, and employment standards across Member States. It further aims to facilitate legal labour migration and migrant integration, while strengthening labour market information systems, data collection, and bilateral labour agreements to improve labour mobility governance within the region; (ii) Border management: The Framework emphasizes strengthening border management systems through enhanced border controls, improved cooperation among border authorities, and the adoption of modern documentation systems and technologies. It also promotes stronger inter-agency coordination to improve migration management, security, and the movement of people across borders; (iii) Irregular migration, smuggling, and trafficking: The Framework aims to combat irregular migration and transnational criminal networks by strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to criminalize and prosecute smuggling and trafficking activities. It further promotes cross-border cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated law enforcement actions, while ensuring the protection, assistance, and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking and smuggling; (iv) Forced displacement, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs): The Framework seeks to strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure compliance with regional and international legal obligations relating to refugees and IDPs. It promotes durable solutions, including voluntary return, local integration, and resettlement, while also addressing the root causes of forced displacement such as conflict, insecurity, and political instability; (v) Internal migration: The Framework recognizes the socio-economic drivers of internal migration and promotes strategies aimed at reducing poverty and regional inequalities. It also seeks to improve access to essential services, including health, education, and employment opportunities, while strengthening data collection systems and urban planning to better manage internal migration trends; (vi) Migration and development: The Framework aims to maximize the developmental benefits of migration by leveraging diaspora contributions through remittances, skills transfer, and investment. It further promotes the integration of migration into national development policies and encourages initiatives that facilitate return migration, entrepreneurship, and productive investment by migrants and diaspora communities; (vii) Cross-cutting strategies: Across all migration areas, the Framework promotes the harmonization of migration policies and legal frameworks among Member States, the strengthening of migration data systems and research, and enhanced regional cooperation and coordination among states and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective and coherent migration governance across the IGAD region.
2012-07-11