February 21,2023 (NAIROBI, Kenya): IGAD Members states are registering progress in several regional commitments to the Global Compact for Refugees according to the presentations made by delegates at the Regional Migration Coordination Committee (RMCC) meeting that was held 21st February, 2013 in Nairobi, and hosted by the Government of Kenya.
Notably, members states have drafted or are already implementing policies and action plans inline with various commitments established under the Nairobi Process including in the areas of refugee education, health, jobs, livelihood and self-reliance.
In a communique from the meeting, it was observed that Members states are extending support beyond protection in refugee settings and have adapted to durable solutions for all displacement affected communities including returnees, asylum seekers and IDPs while collaborating within the structures established under the convening power of the IGAD region.
The Director of Health and Social Development Division at IGAD, Madam Fathia Alwan called for continued dialogue to address the needs of displaced communities in the region in a whole of society, whole of Government approach.
“Majority of this displacement is protracted and therefore as a region we need to dialogue and see how best we can address the needs of the displaced population to enable them to lead a normal life,” said Mme Fathia.
The first ordinary meeting to take place since 2017 was also used to harmonize plans and roadmaps for the Global Refugee Forum Scheduled for December 2023.
The Regional Migration Coordination Committee (RMCC) was established in 2011 as a platform to facilitate information sharing and coordination among IGAD Member States and institutions with migration related functions and responsibilities. The RMCC comprises of Directors of Immigration of IGAD Member States, as well as a Steering Committee of officials from departments of immigration, labour, national security, refugees and foreign affairs.
The meetings aim at stocktaking of the major achievements, best practices and lessons learned of the current IGAD migration governance architecture as well as identify areas for improvement. The RMCC is supported by the Swiss Government and the European Union.
