The International Organization for Migration (IOM), has reiterated continued commitment to foster resilience and provide essential support to those in need.
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The Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Mr. Laurent Deboeck stated this at a media parley in Abuja, to mark the International Migrants Day.
Mr. De Boeck said there was increased displacement in the country due to so many factors, such as climate change however, through the voluntary return Programme, IOM supported by Nigerians Government, over 4000 Nigerian migrants had been returned this year, out of which more than 2000 had been rehabilitated and empowered with various business engagements.
“Through collaborating closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria, IOM facilitated the voluntary return of 4,431 Nigerians, with 2,909 finding accommodation at the Migrant Transit Centre.
“Since 2017, a total of 34,158 migrants have returned, and 2,853 have received reintegration assistance, contributing to a grand total of 21,713 reintegrated since 2017.
“Our support extends beyond mere return, with the establishment of reintegration hubs and the implementation of community-based reintegration projects, providing crucial assistance to returnees and their communities.”
Speaking on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), services IOM Chief of Mission explained that IOM’s support has been instrumental in reaching 106,947 individuals in 2023.
“These services offer material assistance, psychosocial support, and referral services to victims of trafficking, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable households, underscoring our commitment to holistic support. In our unwavering dedication to protection, IOM identified and supported 682 victims of trafficking in 2023.
“Our focus on vulnerable groups, including survivors of gender-based violence, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied and separated children, is reflected in the development of policy documents such as Family Tracing SOPs and BIP guidelines,” he explained.
According to the IOM Chief of Mission, the organization in collaboration with some countries is facilitating employment and regular movement of some skilled Nigerians to take up jobs in those countries, though mindful of brain drain in the country.
“We are reinforcing our cooperation with the Federal and the State levels, for answering characteristics of migration level and for achieving good reception in the country. Thanks to the fact that the country is in global compact on migration. There is a network on migration among various ministries, which will help us to comprehensively promote involvement of different MDAS on the team of migration. This is key for us to ensure that the Federal level and State level have the response level aligned to the national policies and frameworks.”
De Boeck added that the year 2023 has witnessed unprecedented increases in global migration, propelled by factors such as climate change, conflict, and economic disparities.
“In the face of this complex landscape, our responsibility to respond critically and compassionately is more crucial than ever, particularly for the individuals directly affected. In the realm of Migration Health, our efforts in 2023 have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to comprehensive healthcare.
“We conducted over 260,000 Pre-Departure Medical Health Assessments (PDMHAs), diagnosed and referred 166 migrants with TB, administered 15,000 vaccine doses, and renovated three public hospitals. This reflects our dedication to ensuring the well-being of those undertaking the journey of migration,” he added.
He further called for collective effort to address the issue of migrants.
“On this International Migrants Day, let us work hand in hand to harness the power of migration, recognizing that every person can make a difference and be an agent of positive change. Our collective actions today will shape a brighter and more inclusive future,” he stated.
The IOM also noted that the organization in collaboration with some countries is facilitating employment and regular movement of some skilled Nigerians to take up jobs in those countries, though mindful of brain drain in the country.
Stakeholders maintain that promoting discussion on issues about migration management, crisis response, internal-displacement, counter-trafficking, climate change and trending topics in specialised areas of humanitarian intervention has become very important.
The International Migrants Day observed every December 18 aims at protecting the rights of migrants to safe and dignified movement.
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