20-03-2018, Nairobi (Kenya): Representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Member States drawn from refugee management agencies and ministries responsible for planning, local government and foreign affairs are meeting in Nairobi to review progress on implementation of commitments made under the Nairobi Declaration and Plan of Action on durable solutions for Somali Refugees adopted on 25 March 2017, at the special Summit of IGAD Heads of State and Government.

In attendance is a cross-section of development and humanitarian partners that are supporting member states in the area of refugee management and implementing projects in the four key areas namely:

• accelerating solutions in Somalia by creating an environment conducive for voluntary and sustainable returns;
• delivering durable solutions, whilst maintaining protection and asylum space, and promoting the self-reliance and inclusion of refugees in countries of asylum;
• strengthening sub-regional co-operation; and
• increasing international responsibility sharing.

The meeting of Experts will feed into the Interministerial meeting that will take place on Thursday, 22 March 2018, at which IGAD Member States are expected to set priorities for the next one year, which will guide the technical and financial commitments that will be made by partners.

The experiences shared at this meeting and achievements made by the countries will also contribute to the shaping of a global compact on refugees, on which formal consultations were commenced last month.

                                                                                                   ஜ۩END۩ஜ