Khartoum – 10 February 2021-The Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted a workshop on the National Review for the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) in Sudan, in preparation for the first Regional Review of the GCM in the Arab Region

The workshop brought together representatives from all relevant government line ministries and institutions, as well as members from the High Council for Migration to follow-up and review mechanisms and progress made in Sudan since the adoption of the GCM.

Sudan is one of the 164 countries to sign the Global Compact for Migration adopted in 2018. The GCM- the first inter-governmentally negotiated agreement addressing international migration in all its dimensions provides a 360-degree approach to migration governance and offers a road map to help achieve safe, orderly and regular migration.

In her opening remarks, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission, Ms. Catherine Northing emphasised that “we have a collective responsibility to play in ensuring that the vision set out in the Global Compact- of common understanding, shared responsibilities, and unity of purpose is advanced in Sudan.”

The Deputy Director General of the Sudan Police Forces, Lt. General Zeinelabdeen Osman emphasised the need for a whole-of government approach in order to implement the goals of the GCM in Sudan.

Sudan has a long history of migration. As Sudan lies along multiple migration routes from West and East Africa towards North Africa and onwards to Europe or the Gulf Countries. It is a major source, transit and destination country for migrants, and has become home for millions of migrants from a diversity of migrant communities.

The workshop concluded with recommendations to address the root causes of migration, encourage voluntary return, develop clear migration policies through migration governance, align national legislation with international and bilateral agreements, and activate the High Council for Migration to play its role in migration management.

“IOM will continue to provide direct assistance to migrants and technical support to the Government to strengthen migration management capacity in Sudan,” said Northing.

With the aim of supporting the government in continuing the related efforts in implementing the GCM, IOM has been working closely with the Ministry of Interior to support the implementation, follow-up, and review of the Global Compact in Sudan.

Read more on the GCM here: https://bit.ly/2MIE9z8