By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Department of Social Welfare (DSW) in partnership with International Organisation on Migration (IOM) with funding from the European Union recently organised a two-day step-down training on the implementation of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for the Protection of vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking.
The training was held in Kerewan, North Bank Region and aimed at strengthening migration governance, help in mapping of institutions in migration issues to ensure effective response and management.
Topics covered at the training included international and national legal framework, guiding principle, identification of vulnerable migrants in need of assistance, status determination, assessment and referral, immediate needs voluntary return, reintegration, local integration, resettlement, human trafficking, and victim identification.
Pierre Jatta, Protection Assistant at IOM described the convergence as crucial as regard strengthening the capacity of stakeholders and partners in protecting migrants from all forms of abuse and by extension contribute to respecting human dignity.
He said IOM supported the formulation and validation of migration policy and enhance migration governance at all levels.
He thanked the government through Ministry of Interior for their invaluable support to protection of migrants and challenged stakeholders in NBR to be vigilant and promote NRM as a means of responding to the needs of migrants.
He said combating human trafficking needs concerted efforts of all while disclosed that 5000 migrants were voluntarily airlifted by IOM with support from government.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan underscored government commitment in working with IOM in protection of vulnerable migrants including victims of trafficking.
The Governor described the two days convergence important, noting that the region registered high numbers of casualties but NRM will help people’s to monitor and report cases to the Gambia Immigration Department.
He later thanked EU for supporting government in the drive to address irregular migration and youths employment.
ModouBahoum Social Welfare Officer said the training is important in providing much understanding on migration issues and help stakeholders to generate public dialogue on National Referral Mechanism to promote human rights and dignity for migrants.
Malamin IL Bojang Chairman of Kerewan Area Council called for broader sensitization of local authorities and parents on the menace of migration and its negative impacts in society.
