GENEVA, Switzerland, 16 January 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Concluding a two-day go to to the nation, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope reaffirmed IOM’s sturdy partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and their shared dedication to advancing migration governance, boosting regional cooperation and selling sustainable growth.

“Further strengthening our cooperation with the government and other partners to address critical migration-related challenges is a key priority for IOM in Côte d’Ivoire,” stated DG Pope. “Our shared areas of focus include voluntary return and reintegration of migrants, border management, combating human trafficking and exploitation, promoting labor migration, diaspora engagement, climate adaptation and facilitating regular migration pathways.”

In Abidjan, DG Pope held wide-ranging discussions with the Vice-President of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, in addition to senior authorities ministers, donors and heads of United Nations companies. These centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation to enhance migration administration and promote sustainable growth. DG Pope recommended Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to advance protected, orderly and common migration, emphasizing its potential to function a mannequin for different nations in fostering security, dignity and financial prosperity for migrants.

Special consideration was given to the urgent want for funding in infrastructure and companies in northern areas of the nation impacted by displacement from neighboring international locations, with IOM reaffirming its assist to strengthening group resilience, guaranteeing entry to fundamental companies, enhancing youth employability, and selling financial alternatives for each displaced individuals and host communities. These efforts are essential for enhancing safety and social cohesion within the area.

DG Pope additionally visited the Abel Centre in Grand-Bassam, which supplies help to victims of trafficking and different weak migrants with the assist of IOM and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

The go to underscored IOM’s dedication to efficient migration governance by way of sturdy regional and worldwide collaboration and the necessity to handle migration in all its dimensions, notably in mild of Côte d’Ivoire’s evolving migration profile, transitioning from primarily a vacation spot nation inside West Africa to additionally serving as a rustic of origin and transit.

“IOM has been present in Côte d’Ivoire for 25 years and we remain committed to working closely with the Government, donors, and regional stakeholders to promote sustainable migration governance, strengthen regional cooperation, and enhance the well-being and development of youth. Our aim is to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all,” concluded DG Pope.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of IOM.

For extra data, please contact:  

In Abidjan: Agathe Foucher, afoucher@iom.int
In Dakar: Joelle Furrer, jfurrer@iom.int
In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)