Nairobi – IOM, under the auspices of the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), launched its report on the ‘Mapping of Migration Policies in the East and Horn of Africa’ during a public virtual event on 20 May 2023.

The 120-page report provides an astute analysis of where each country within the region is in their migration policy development. It highlights the presence or absence of various sectoral migration policies in both national and sub-national governments across the region, offering a comprehensive view of the migration policy landscape.

Covering 10 countries in the region, including the Republics of Djibouti, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Federal Government of Somalia, and the United Republic of Tanzania, it analyses whether their policies adequately address migration challenges in the region and are in line with various global and regional frameworks.

The report says there is a need for more governments to adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to policy formulation to ensure policy coherence, especially as regards climate change and development-focused policies. The report highlights that despite the increased digitization of data in the EHoA region, the availability of migration data remains extremely patchy and is generally focused on regular migration across various border points. The report also highlights the critical role of migration as a potential catalyst for strengthening regional integration and social cohesion by accelerating the harmonization of policies and practices.

The report also takes stock of achievements and challenges in ensuring well-governed approaches to migration and human mobility in the region. It makes policy proposals for consideration by governments, EAC, IGAD, and other partners to strengthen migration governance and cooperation and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

If countries in the region implement the findings and policy suggestions of the report, they could ensure the respect and protection of the rights and dignity of migrants while unlocking the full potential that migration offers through combating trafficking and smuggling, maximizing economic benefits, promoting social cohesion, enhancing security and stability, and fostering regional cooperation.

“This report was conceived to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing policies and practices, identify areas for improvement, and offer evidence-based recommendations for enhancing migration governance in the region. This understanding is crucial for policy formulation, identifying gaps and successful practices, promoting regional collaboration, and ultimately improving migration governance and outcomes.” Mr Justin MacDermott, IOM Senior Regional Policy & Programme Coordinator.

“This report is a timely addition to our common knowledge base as policymakers and practitioners. We hope it's astute analysis and evidence-based insights can help define policies and interventions in the region that support regular migration. However, as the findings of the report have made clear, there is a continued need for further engagement. As we move forward, let us remember that this report is not the end but the beginning of a collective journey to strengthen migration governance and cooperation in the region.” Mr Ali Abdi, IOM Senior Regional Programme Manager (BMM).

The publication was made possible under the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme, funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is aimed at enabling national authorities and institutions to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration and effectively address and reduce trafficking in persons and people smuggling within and from the Horn of Africa region by applying a human rights-based approach. The programme is implemented by British Council, CIVIPOL, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, IOM, and UNODC in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.

For more information, please contact Ali Abdi, IOM Senior Regional Programme Manager (BMM), Email: aabdi@iom.int or Leon Buyu, IOM Immigration and Border Governance Programme Assistant (BMM), Email: lbuyu@iom.int