ICMPD Activities by Topic
ICMPD's holistic approach to addressing migration challenges discourages the precise categorisation of its activities according to topic, geographical area or the like, and makes overlap between different themes unavoidable. The division in topics presented here should thus only be regarded as a supporting guide.
Finding the equilibrium between limiting asylum abuse and offering protection, and between promoting voluntary return and enforcing readmission is a delicate issue. ICMPD has been involved in finding solutions to these questions for many years.
In order to guarantee free movement of persons within the European Union, it is essential that the outer borders of the EU are well protected against irregular arrivals. ICMPD has since its establishment been involved in supporting future member states of the European Union, but also many of their neighbours, with the creation of well-functioning border control systems.
Integration has become a major concern for policy makers in Europe. ICMPD has been assisting states in evaluating their integration policies.
Recognising the trans-boundary character of migration movements and the need for enhanced co-operation among states, ICMPD supports governments in the elaboration and implementation of long-term strategies to cope with growing migration pressures. This includes the facilitation of dialogues among countries of origin, transit and destination and the promotion of exchange of information and experience.
ICMPD has provided basic knowledge of the EU acquis in the field of migration, asylum and border control to senior government officials from numerous countries, discussed illegal migration in the region with neighbouring countries as well as made contacts with experts in the field from Candidate-and Member States of the European Union.
ICMPD implements a variety of projects, organises conferences and does extensive research, covering many different topics including the reception of traumatised women, temporary protection systems and related return as well as an international comparison of return policies.
Trafficking in human beings has been called the slavery of the 21st century and is one of the fastest growing illegal businesses globally. ICMPD supports countries on the national and regional level by providing comprehensive anti-trafficking responses in accordance with international and European standards and good practices. Working closely with governments, international organisations and civil society groups ICMPD promotes a human-right centred approach aimed at supporting the empowerment of trafficking victims.
ICMPD approaches visa issues from an integrated perspective, acknowledging links to border control (issuing of visa at the borders, visa as the first entry control, etc.) and migration management in general (such as the distinction between entry and residence titles while having similar security features for visa and ID documents). ICMPD offers comprehensive support of reforms in the field of visa policies and practices through capacity building exercises supported by informal consultations.