News

The EU-funded and ICMPD-implemented “Support to the Implementation of the Mobility Partnership with Azerbaijan (MOBILAZE 2)” project held its closure event on 18 September 2024, celebrating the achievements and progress made in Azerbaijan's migration management efforts.

The European Union is strengthening the safety on Ukraine’s ‘green borders’ with new equipment for more accurate data gathering, information exchange, risk analysis, and faster dispatching of border patrols in cases of violations or security threats. ICMPD’s EU4IBM-Resilience project is supporting the country’s State Border Guard Service (SBGS) to address illegal activities, including human trafficking and cross-border crimes.

Between 16–19 September, ICMPD organised a study visit to Lithuania for the Moldovan law enforcement community, focusing on Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems. A range of experiences and lessons were shared during the visit to support Moldova in establishing a Passenger Information Unit.

The EU-funded "Integrated Border Management in the Silk Routes Countries" project, implemented by ICMPD, conducted an equipment handover ceremony at the Border Force Command in Baghdad. Subsequently, the project inaugurated the Border Force Training School in Basrah after a successful renovation. The ceremonies took place on September 17th and 18th respectively.

UNU-MERIT and Maastricht University have published a new call for scholarships to participate in the Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) that will take place in Maastricht, in Spring 2025. Applications for 25 scholarships are open until 01 October 2024.

The European Union Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF) launches new opportunity for capacity development in diaspora engagement to public institutions of partner countries. Project proposals are welcome until 15 October 2024.

On 4 September, an inauguration ceremony at the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) headquarters in Islamabad celebrated the opening of a refurbished Forensic Laboratory for examining suspected forged documents and combating identity fraud, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and new Risk Analysis Office, funded by the European Union and Ministry of Interior of Austria.

Launched in 2023 and financed by the EU, the three-year European Union Scholarships Project aims to create a lasting impact on higher education students in Türkiye by providing financial assistance for education, increasing social cohesion and access to higher education. Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are open between September 1 – October 6, 2024.

In a memorable event that echoed with recognition and gratitude, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) marked the closing of the Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana (SMMIG) project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The Dinner and Award night took place on July 30, 2024, at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel.

On 1-2 August 2024, the African Union Commission (AUC) with the support of ICMPD, organised a consultation meeting in Zanzibar. The meeting included representatives from African Union (AU) Member States, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the private sector and civil society. The event focused on the challenges and opportunities for the ratification and implementation of the AU Free Movement of Persons (FMP) Protocol, to inform the development of an expert-led study commissioned by the AUC.

From 29-30 July, ICMPD carried out an expert support mission to Moldova to facilitate the development of the regulatory framework required for launching the national Passenger Information Unit. The unit enables Moldovan authorities to conduct passenger screening and thus contribute to the effective management of the state border according to IBM principles. 

Addressing highly complex, often invisible crimes in a targeted way also requires a highly coordinated approach. As human trafficking and the online sexual exploitation of children increasingly become lucrative enterprises for the criminal syndicates globally and even more challenging to track, the best way to tackle them begins with having the right data.

Vienna, 31 July 2024 — ICMPD is growing with another member: Ireland is the 21st Member State to join ICMPD’s work in finding innovative solutions to regional migration challenges. Ireland’s accession is the latest after Germany (2020), Greece (2021), and the Netherlands (2023) joined ICMPD in recent years.

Stakeholders from various international organisations and the Government of Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and accelerating efforts to combat human trafficking. During an event organised to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the emphasis was placed on protecting children and upholding the rights and dignity of those most at risk of exploitation.

BOMCA selected and provided EU funding to 12 projects in the framework of its second Call for Proposals. Continuing the established good practice of cooperation with NGOs from Central Asia, selected NGOs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan began implementing actions aimed at improving living conditions in border areas in July 2024. The projects will be implemented throughout 2024-2025 with the overall funding of almost 635 000 EUR.