Loss of lives in the Mediterranean: longer-term responses needed

Recent developments in the Mediterranean have yet again provoked heated debates on the unsolved challenges posed by migration in the region. For over a decade, ICMPD has been committed to finding effective policies and frameworks for making migration better in the Mediterranean; 'better' in, among others, being safe, legal and voluntary - and most importantly avoiding the loss of life at sea. Several of these initiatives have been highlighted in the European Commission's fact sheet on Cooperation with Africa published for the special European Council meeting on 23 April. Based on knowledge of Mediterranean migration, ICMPD calls for the development of regional mid- and long-term policy responses to complement short-term reactions aimed at curbing human trafficking and smuggling.

ICMPD's projects in the Mediterranean  |  Media coverage 

Two regional consultations on migrants caught in countries in crisis

When conflict or disasters hit, international migrants present in the crisis-stricken country are often among the affected population. Migrants may be trapped, unwilling to leave, or seek refuge across borders. ICMPD takes part in the global initiative 'Migrants in Countries in Crisis' (MICIC) aiming to develop a set of voluntary guidelines to protect migrants in crisis and organises regional consultations.

Read about the Asia consultation  |  Eastern Europe consultation on 25-26 June, Brussels

Jordan preparing for a population census in late 2015

To strengthen migration data collection and analysis capacities, ICMPD facilitated a workshop on "Population and Housing Censuses and Migration Surveys" for Jordanian government officials. Jordan's census will include a number of migration-related questions.

Learn more about the project  |  Read the event report

South-south cooperation on migration management

Officials from Afghanistan and Iraq visited Georgian institutions and NGOs to draw lessons from its recent progress in legislative reform and policy development in the field of migration. During this ICMPD-organised study tour, Georgian government officials were keen to share experience with their Silk Routes counterparts as they have participated in similar activities over the last years.

Learn more about the project  |  Read the event report


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Working Paper: Integrated Border Management and Development
by Martijn Pluim and Martin Hofmann

Effective border management can enable sustainable development and secure respect for human rights. This connection might initially not be obvious. At second glance, however, the linkages are clear: borders facilitate trade and increase state revenues, enhance the mobility of people, reduce the threat of crime - and this enables development.

Download the paper in English or in French