The 3rd IGAD Scientific Conference on Migration and Displacement in Nairobi has officially come to a close with discussions on challenges facing migrants and displaced persons forming the bulk of the discussions by members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
Delegates articulated what IGAD and partners have been doing over the years, including the implementation of the Kampala Declaration on inclusive livelihood and jobs, the Djibouti Declaration on inclusive education and skill development of refugees, and the Nairobi Declaration and Plan of Action.
IGAD established the higher education forum in 2021, to enhance the role of women in IGAD programs and their inclusion in social cohesion and integration is crucial.
IGAD also renewed national, regional, and international commitments present in the comprehensive refuge response framework (CRRF), the global compact for refugees (GCR), the global compact on migration, and the different policy strategies like the IGAD strategic plan 2021-2025.
Ms. Fathia Alwan the IGAD Director of the Health and Social Development department recognized the importance of connecting research, data and policy to the social inclusion and cohesion of immigrants which bridges the gap between practice and research.
She reiterated the role of scientific research in finding durable solutions to the problems facing the IGAD region and the globe. Through research and data, the understanding of the complex reality of the migrant’s problem will be solved through evidence-based policymaking.
Some of the merging issues that were discussed were that only 3% of the refugee population have access to secondary school education, and the hosting communities bear the bigger burden of accommodating the refugees, among other issues.
“The forum is important for networking and benchmarking. All relevant recommendations of the research papers will reach the member states.”
The forum attracted researchers and academia representatives from Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti, as well as other regional think tanks.
To promote the inclusion of people living with disabilities, IGAD is working with AU to formulate a policy on the same.
Ms. Fathia Alwan also thanked the International Universities of Africa for giving 150 scholarships to migrant populations in the IGAD region, with Uganda International University having offered 100 scholarships to the migrants.
A representative of the Kenyan government Representative said that the conference discussions and recommendations will provide solutions to migrants and displaced people.
“The programs that will come from these should protect migrants and offer them opportunities. From the information shared, policies and strategies will be formulated to address root causes of migration and displacement which will be better policies providing durable solutions.,” said.
Member states were also urged to formulate policies and strategies that will lead to better management of migrants in the IGAD region.
