Dakar, 28 August – Nearly 100 participants from across West and Central Africa met in Dakar for a key event organized by the Regional UN Network on Migration, co-chaired by IOM and OHCHR.

This gathering was a crucial step in preparing for the Africa Review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) set for October 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Attendees included representatives from governments, civil society, the private sector, trade unions and youth organizations.

The discussions focused on improving migration channels, enhancing free movement within ECOWAS and ECCAS regions and addressing critical issues like migrant protection and border management.

“The GCM places people at the heart of migration governance, emphasizing the respect, protection and fulfillment of the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status,” said Ms. Kristina Mejo, IOM Senior Regional Liaison and Policy Advisor for West and Central Africa, on behalf of the Regional Network. “By working together, we can create sustainable, human-centered solutions that reflect the diverse perspectives and needs of those most affected by migration.”

The discussions underscored the importance of enhancing free movement and establishing regular migration channels, with a focus on recognizing qualifications to bolster intra-African labour migration.

"One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of information and awareness about regular migration pathways, particularly among young people," emphasized Mr. Damilola Adeniran, IOM/African Union Youth Ambassador for West Africa.

The discussions also highlighted the need to improve healthcare access for migrant workers and stressed the urgency of strengthening protection mechanisms, especially for women and youth. The event concluded with a strong call for building partnerships to safeguard migrant rights and promote safe, regular migration. 

Key recommendations emerging from the discussions included:

• Ratifying and implementing the AU Free Movement Protocol to facilitate regular migration.
• Increasing investment in digital skills and infrastructure to support youth employment and curb irregular migration.
• Strengthening legal frameworks to protect vulnerable groups, such as women and children, and integrating climate change considerations into migration policies.
• Developing robust data collection systems to inform evidence-based policies, particularly in protecting and including migrants.

***

For more information about the event, please contact:

IOM in West and Central Africa: Joëlle Furrer, jfurrer@iom.int

For more information about the Network, the GCM and the review process, please contact: 

UN Network on Migration secretariat: Florence Kim, fkim@iom.int