October 10, 2023 (ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), incoordination and collaboration with EAC and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Office has launched the High-Level Policy Roundtable discussion on Regional Integration and Human Mobility in East and Horn of Africa, today, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The high – level policy roundtable discussion conducted under the theme of Informed by the findings of “The State of Migration in East and Horn of Africa Report”, which is the outcome of close collaboration between IGAD, IOM and EAC
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Madam Fathia Alwan, Director for Health and Social Development at IGAD Secretariat, highlighted that the IGAD would like to maintain and further strengthen the current good coordination and collaboration with East African Community and International Organization for Migration regional Office to work on the follow up editions of the state of migration in our region to inform the policy development.
In addition, she described that the state of migration in East and Horn of Africa report the workshop for discussion is a very unique report on migration in its scope, depth of analysis and co-owned by the two sisters RECs (IGAD and EAC) and IOM Office for East and Horn of Africa.
“I am aware that this report has been launched officially by H.E President Willaim Ruto, in Nairobi Kenya, back in May 2023 which was followed by the similar launch in another capital including in Brussels and Washington D.C in July.” Madam Fathia stated.
She further emphasized that the IGAD, as a bloc has realized the need for coordinated regional migration management and designed Regional Migration Policy Framework back in 2012, which was endorsed by the Assembly of Heads of States of IGAD.
According to the Director, the IGAD in its Policy Framework, IGAD has figured out twelve priority areas including the benefits of migration in fostering regional integration and economic development of families, countries and the region at large, if it is well managed.
Representatives of African Union and International Organization for Migration also gave their remarks.
It is stated on the occasion, IGAD believes that the level of analysis and evidences provided by this report are the true reflection of migration in the region and IGAD stands ready to implement the recommendations and suggestions forwarded by the report jointly with Member States and partners.
