Protecting Migrants During Times of Crisis: Immediate Responses and Sustainable Strategies (2012)
13 and 14 September 2012
Venue: World Meteorological Organization, Geneva
7bis, avenue de la Paix, Geneva, Switzerland
The International Dialogue on Migration 2012 aims to enhance synergies between humanitarian and migration perspectives in the search for appropriate responses to migration crises. The second workshop in the series focuses on the plight of migrants who are caught up in crises in their countries of transit or destination. When countries of destination or transit experience political turmoil, conflict or natural disasters, their migrant populations often have few means to escape and ensure their own safety. Risks and vulnerabilities are exacerbated when migrants are in an irregular situation, or when countries of origin lack the resources, capacity and access to protect and assist their nationals abroad. Some migrants may be unable or unwilling to leave the crisis zone, while others may be forced to cross borders into neighbouring countries. As a result, repercussions may be felt regionally and beyond. Ultimately, migrants may escape crises by returning or being evacuated to their countries of origin, but challenges do not end there: countries of origin may struggle to receive and reintegrate large numbers of returnees, while the sudden loss of remittances may leave their families and home communities without income. The departure of migrant workers may also leave gaps in the labour markets of countries of destination which may in fact depend on migrant labour for post-crisis recovery and reconstruction.
The overall objective of the workshop is to support States in devising a framework of policies and actions to address the situation of migrants in crisis situations. Consistent with IOM's mandate and Strategy Document (activity 7), the IDM provides a forum for IOM Member and Observer States, as well as international and non-governmental organizations and other partners, to share experiences and perspectives on migration matters with a view to identifying practical solutions and fostering greater cooperation.
Click here for the Workshop Report
Click here for the Chair’s Summary
Click here for the photos of the event
Click here for the workshop agenda
Click here for the background paper
Contact: idmworkshop@iom.int
Visit us on Facebook!Agenda
| 13 September 2012 | |
|
Opening Session
|
|
|
Session 1 Thinking ahead – Preparedness measures and cooperation mechanisms Moderator: Thomas Gurtner, Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Chad, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Speakers:
|
|
|
Case study: Lessons learned from the Libyan crisis Moderator: Vincent Houver, Chief of Mission, South Sudan, IOM Speakers:
|
|
|
Session 2 Immediate response – Assistance and protection to migrants stranded in crises Moderator: Susan Martin, Donald G. Herzberg Associate Professor of International Migration and Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of International Migration, Georgetown University Speakers:
|
|
| 14 September 2012 | |
|
Migrants’ Voice
Moderator: Qasim Sufi, Chief of Mission, Chad, IOM Session 3 Sustainable strategies – Addressing long-term consequences for migrants, counties of origin and countries of destination Moderator: Neil Buhne, Director, Geneva Liaison Office, Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, United Nations Development Programme (Bio) Speakers:
|
|
|
Special Session: Protecting and assisting migrants during times of crisis – The way forward Moderator: William Lacy Swing, Director General, IOM Speakers:
Concluding Session IOM Director General William Lacy Swing will present a summary of workshop conclusions. (Presentation) |
|