The

MigrantVolume 4 Issue 2 June 2013..IOM Special Liaison Office, Addis Ababa Newsletter

of Continental UnityYears

OAU AU.1963-2013

also inside this issue...National public movement against human trafficking and smuggling launched in Addis Ababa

3rd IGAD RCP held in Addis Ababa

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Peace Building in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

Ethiopia introduces new Diaspora Policy

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Migrant Volume 4 Issue 2 June 2013. 2

of Continental UnityYears

OAU AU Golden Jubilee Celebration.1963-2013

May 25, 1963 was a momentous day in the history of Africa and its people. On that day, 32 independent African nations descended in the City of Addis Ababa to form the continent’s umbrella organi-zation, the Organization of Africa Unity (OAU). The establishment is the final cul-mination of the Pan-African movement which was simmering since the 1890’s.

As more and more African nations gained their independence in the 1950s and early 1960s, the call for unity and soli-darity was loud. However, there was no consensus on how to conclude and so-lidify African solidarity. On one hand, the Casablanca group suggested the estab-

lishment of a federation of all African na-tions. On the other hand, the Monrovia group underlined that unity should come along gradually trough economic integra-tion. This difference eventually came into terms and a compromise was reached. During the first summit held in Addis Aba-ba, the assembly of Independent African states agreed to establish a continental

body which represents the solidarity and aspiration of Africans. The out come of the assembly was a great success as the 32 states signed up a charter establish-ing the Organization of African Unity. The Ethiopian diplomat Kifle Wodajo became the first acting secretary general and it was decided that OAU would be head-quartered in Addis Ababa.

OAU’s main mandate was to ensure unity and solidarity of the African states and act as a collective voice for the African continent; with the dedication of eradi-cating all forms of colonialism in Africa.

As part of its mandate OAU also adopted a range of Pan-African conventions, trea-ties and charters in various areas of social and economic Development. Following

Genesis of a Pan-African organization

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the economic challenges faced by many African states in the 1980s, the need for economic integration surfaced more than ever. In 1991, OAU took a bold step for-ward signing the Abuja treaty which out-lined a multi-phased plan to establish the African Economic Community (AEC).

From the OAU to the AUOAU played a pivotal role in bringing Af-rican governments together for a com-mon cause. The organization was also instrumental in liberating many African countries from colonial rule. Despite many challenges, the organization had a symbolic role in the continent’s com-mon quest for a better Africa through the abolishment of colonialism, foster-ing economic integration and resolving disputes. Yet, there was still long way to go. OAU needed better empowerment to address the multi-fold challenges of the continent in an evolving world. The Togo summit held the era of the new millennia in 2001 saw the creation of the African Union (AU), replacing OAU. The trans-formation came with a structural change in which the new Union embraces a broader mandate and different organiza-tional setup. The African Union is hence governed by the Assembly of heads of states and government and its Commis-sion conducts its day-to-day activities.

Moreover, the AU has several councils and technical committees which focus on specific issues. The AU is also different from the OAU in its stronger peace and security structure. Its peace and Security Council represents African leadership and ownership in conflict resolution and peace building. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) which is a strategic framework developed to foster sustainable development and Africa’s in-tegration in international trade could also be considered as a positive novelty of the AU. NEPAD is praised for putting Africa’s position and interest on the global arena such as the G-8 and the G-20 summits.

The 50 years old continental organization is now embarking in a new era where Af-rica is considered to be the pole of growth and quite a number of member states are enjoying promising economic growth. According to the World Bank, a quarter of African countries “grew at 7 percent or higher and a number of African countries, notably Sierra Leone, Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Rwan-da, are among the fastest growing in the world”. With hopes of better future and also recognizing the achievements of the past, the AU is celebrating its 50th golden jubilee under the theme “Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance”.

IOM and the African Union Commission (AUC)

Since the signature of a Cooperation Agreement between the two organi-zations in 2006, IOM and AUC work in close partnership on various Migration related policies and programs. Impor-tant continental policy documents such as the African Common Position on Migration and Development, the Ouagadougou Plan of action to combat human trafficking especially Women and Children and the Convention for the protection and assistance of inter-nally displaced persons in Africa (the Kampala Convention) are worth men-tioning in this regard.

In Addition, IOM works closely with the regional blocks in the different parts of the continent (in West Africa with ECO-WAS, in Southern Africa with SADC, in the Horn of Africa with IGAD, in East Africa with EAC, in Central Africa with ECCAS) through regional initiatives on Migration and the smooth operation of Dialogue under the framework of Re-

gional Consultative Processes (RCP) on migration. With a field presence in 41 Countries, IOM also works closely with African gov-ernments that constitute a third of its member states (51 out of 150 Member States) to address the migration chal-lenges of the continent. According to various studies, intraregional migration represents the most common form of migration in Africa;1 It is also observed that in Africa, the proportion of women migrants is larger than any other region in the world.

Following the demand of its African Member States, IOM established the Af-rican Capacity Building Centre based in Moshi Tanzania in order to address the border management needs of the con-tinent.

At programme level, IOM’ interventions include demand driven capacity build-ing support that mobilizes and transfers

skills of African diaspora for socio-eco-nomic development in home countries. IOM’s resettlement, movement, emer-gency and posit-crisis intervention are also able to reach out many Africans who find themselves in need of human-itarian assistance in the midst of major migration crisis situation like the ones observed in Libya, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, and Horn of Africa.

As the AU embarks on a new era, cel-ebrating its golden jubilee, IOM extends its best wishes for the fulfillment and realization of the African dream. IOM hopes the future is bright for Africa and will continue working in partnership with this beautiful and emerging conti-nent.

1. Development Research Centre on Migration, Globali-sation and Poverty (DRC) 2007 Global Migrant Origin Database, updated March 2007, DRC, University of Sussex,http://www.migrationdrc.org/research/typesofmi-gration/Global_Migrant_Origin_Database_Version_4.xls

The first AU headquarter building

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National public movement against trafficking and smuggling launched in Addis Ababa

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn calls for nation wide efforts to end human trafficking and smug-gling in Ethiopia. The Premier gave his remarks during the launching of a pub-lic movement against human trafficking and smuggling held at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa on Saturday June 8, 2013. He also stressed that coordinated efforts are necessary in the fight against human trafficking and smuggling; as the latter is becoming a serious challenge in the country. He further noted that, de-spite consecutive and speedy economic growth in the country over the past dec-ade, poverty still needs to be addressed and more employment opportunities have to be created at home. According to the PM, human traffickers, smugglers and intermediaries are worsening the situa-tion and it is important to take immedi-

ate legal and administrative measures against the perpetrators.

Chairperson of the National Council against Human Trafficking Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen on his part stressed that human trafficking and smuggling is becoming a social burden and will have serious social ramifications if it is not addressed immediately.

The launching of the national public movement against human trafficking came a day after the third meeting of the National Council which has been estab-lished to coordinate efforts against hu-man trafficking and smuggling in Ethio-pia. The Council is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke, and has similar configuration that goes to the lower ad-ministrative structures in the Ethiopian Federal system. At regional level, the

Council is also led by the respective Re-gional Presidents with each regional state and the two city administrations expected to report on their activities to the Council. Since its establishment, the Council has held three meetings in June (2012), January and June (2013).

The launching ceremony was held in two sessions in which the morning ses-sion was dedicated to a panel discussion led by the Deputy Prime Minister. Dur-ing this session discussion papers were presented by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) and the Federal Micro and Small Enterprises Develop-ment Agency (FeMSEDA) among others. The after¬noon session, which was aired live on the national broadcaster, featured different musical dramas presented by Youth groups and university students about the consequences of human traf-

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn calls for nation wide effort against human trafficking and smuggling

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ficking and smuggling. An emotional mo-ment was seen when a documentary film depicting the challenges and abuses of Ethiopian migrants was shown on screen to the participants.

Irregular migration is becoming a chal-lenge in Ethiopia. A growing number of Ethiopians continue undertaking a per-ilous journey through different routes with hopes of achieving a better life for themselves. A significant proportion of these migrants travel with little or no in-formation about what they are likely to encounter along the way and they are in one way or the other, misled, mistreated and often abused by traffickers and smug-glers. Recognizing this problem, the Gov-ernment of Ethiopia is taking significant measures whereby coordinated activities will be implemented both at federal and regional levels. The launching of the pub-lic movement is also part of this bold step taken by the Government.

IOM has been supporting the National Council since its establishment and also

during the launching of the public move-ment by providing technical and financial support. IOM will also continue to work with the Council and its different struc-tures by coordinating its activities in line with the strategies of the Government. This important initiative of the Govern-ment will also create a favorable atmos-phere for the work of IOM.

During the launching of the public move-ment, IOM distributed information cam-paign materials to participants.

Over 4,500 participants, including federal and regional government officials, reli-gious leaders, women and youth groups, International Organizations and other stakeholders were in attendance at the launching ceremony. IOM was also repre-sented by the Chief of Mission and Rep-resentative to AU/ECA/IGAD, Mr. Josiah Ogina.

Mr. Josiah Ogina (R) with the State Min-ister of MoLSA Dr. Zerihun Kebede (L) during the Launching Ceremony

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The Benishangul People’s Liberation Movement (BPLM) was one of the armed groups supporting the recent Government of Ethiopia in overthrowing the then mili-tary regime. Despite this, BPLM continued its armed struggle with sporadic guerrilla fighting for the past 17 years. After two years of talks between Government rep-resentatives and the BPLM leadership, a peace agreement was signed on August 15, 2012 in Addis Ababa. The Benishangul Gumuz region is now working with the Federal Government to return and rein-tegrate BPLM ex-combatants and their dependants. The government also took the initiative to pardon and release those members of BPLM who were in different prisons in the country.

Up on the request by both the federal and regional governments, IOM developed a project to support this peace process. The project has two major phases. In the first phase, IOM provides assistance to the Government at the Bambasi Police Train-ing Centre, for initial reinsertion and dur-ing the rehabilitation training, to address immediate health and psycho-social needs of the former combatants. In the second phase, IOM support the return and reinte-gration of the ex-combatants to their areas of origin based on its needs assessment findings.

After the reception of the ex-combatants at Bambasi Policy Training Center, IOM has been engaged in the registration and pro-filing process using IOM’s global tool Infor-mation, Counseling and Referral Services (ICRS) which is a standard tool that aims to identify individual needs, makes refer-rals and job placement, and targets the support assistance. The ICRS is supported by a database whereby all data collected is entered into for further analysis and stor-age. The information gathered will gear the reintegration assistance towards the different needs of men, women, girls and boys as they start a new life back in their communities. The assessment will also attempt to understand the absorption ca-pacity of the receiving community through identifying opportunities and mapping of services that can play a significant role in the reintegration process.

Using its ample experience in the address-ing heath challenges in difference contexts of forced migration, IOM provided health assistance to BPLM former combatants during the reception as well as while they were accommodated in Bambasi train-ing center. IOM migration health person-nel were deployed on a regular schedule to assist in providing basic health services in Bambasi Police Training Center clinic. Furthermore, IOM provided medical sup-plies to the center to make sure that the provision of health care went according to plan. Moreover, a psychosocial training was also given to government counter-parts and IOM staff (who provide psycho-social support) prior to the arrival of the ex-combatants.

Another intervention of IOM was to pro-vide transportation assistance for the for-mer combatants after they were enrolled in the Government’s rehabilitation train-ing. IOM made all the necessary prepara-tion to transport the graduates and their luggage back to their home areas. Based on the information gathered during the profiling process, detailed movement plan was drafted and all the necessary logistics was also mobilized in time. IOM operation experts managed the movement sched-ules according to the different routes while migration health professionals also escorted the convoys to assure safety.

Peace Building in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

Marching for peace, BPLM former combatants showing their parade after taking rehabilitation training

IOM nurse providing health assistance to BPLM former combatant.

IOM bus making preparations to transport BPLM former combatants after taking rehabilitation training.

IOM staff constantly follow up activities discussing issues with the concerned authorities.

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3rd IGAD RCP held in Addis Ababa

3rd IGAD RCP held in Addis AbabaThe 3rd Regional Consultative Process on Migration (RCP) of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) was held in Addis Ababa from 9th – 10th May under the theme Migration and Regional Integration. This particular meeting of the RCP came after the adoption of the IGAD Minimum Integration Plan (MIP) by the Summit of Heads of States and Govern-ment’s in 2012 as the guiding road map for IGAD’s regional integration. Various processes within the framework of the MIP are ongoing; including negotiations towards a free movement of person’s regime, the Horn of Africa Infrastructure Initiative among others.

In his opening remarks, IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission and Representative to AU/UNECA/IGAD Mr. Josiah Ogina under-scored that “the past year was marked by important steps whereby leaders and policy makers of the IGAD region adopted key guiding documents that can positive-ly influence regional migration manage-ment”. He also further stated that “The Minimum Integration Plan (MIP) and the IGAD Regional Migration Policy Frame-work were respectively endorsed by the Executive Council in January and July

2012 showing the political will of IGAD Member States to further strengthen the regional integration agenda and harmo-nize migration management”.

The two days meeting discussed various issues ranging from trade, labor mobility, pastoralism, infrastructure interconnec-tivity, health and regional integration as well as border management and security. Furthermore, expert papers that aimed at provoking dialogue amongst partici-pants were presented.

The IGAD RCP was established in 2009 to foster regional dialogue and coopera-tion on migration issues among member states. This RCP is used as a platform to create greater understanding and policy coherence on migration. It also works on improving inter-state and intra-regional cooperation on migration management among countries of origin, transit and destination. The outcomes and recom-mendations of the RCP are important inputs in shaping migration governance in the IGAD region as they are translated into policies and programs.

In the IGAD RCP the International Organi-

zation for Migration (IOM) together with the African Union Commission (AUC) are key partners. IOM provides policy advice and different capacity building activities to support the smooth functioning of RCPs, including the IGAD RCP.

Regional Consultative Processes on Mi-gration (RCPs) bring together representa-tives of states, international organiza-tions and, other players for informal and non-binding dialogue and information exchange on migration-related issues of common interest and concern.

Mr. Josiah Ogina delivering his opening remarks during the meeting

IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with partners in the international community to:• Assist in meeting the growing operational challenges

of migration management• Advance understanding of migration issues• Encourage social and economic development

The IOM MissionEditorialSLO Addis Communication GroupEditor: Demissew BizuwerkInternational Organization for MigrationSpecial Liaison Office (SLO) in Addis AbabaP.O.Box 25283 Code 1000 Addis AbabaTel +251 116 611 097/98Fax +251 116 611 101Email: iomaddis@iom.int

www.ethiopia.iom.int

We are grateful to our humanitarian and development partners

Disclaimer:Views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of IOM.

The contribution of the Ethiopia’s diaspora for the national development has long been recognized by the Government. It is estimated that there are over 2.5 million Ethiopians in the diaspora. The contribution of this large community in terms of knowledge and skills transfer, investment as well as remittance is vital for the country. To tap into these resourc-es, and further protect the rights and privileg-es of the Ethiopian diaspora, the Government of Ethiopia had been working on a policy de-velopment which was led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The development of the policy took time to explore different countries ex-periences and the draft policy document was also discussed among different stakeholders within and outside the country. Subsequently, the House of People’s Representatives en-dorsed the policy.

In the presence of thousands of diaspora community members congregated from around the world and other invited guests, the diaspora policy was launched officially on 15th June at the Millennium Hall, Addis Aba-

ba. During the launching ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education De-meke Mekonnen stated that the Government has been working to create an enabling envi-ronment for the diaspora via an understand-ing of their development capacity. He also called upon all Ethiopians in the diaspora to strengthen their participation in the ongoing

development efforts of the country. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tedros Adhanom on his part stated that the Government had been working to facilitate engagement with the di-aspora in an institutionalized manner and the policy in this regard would create an enabling environment.

The new diaspora policy aims to encourage the participation of the diaspora in ongoing peace and democratization building in Ethio-pia. It also outlines the importance of preserv-ing the rights and interests of members of the Ethiopian diaspora abroad. The policy stipu-lates major goals of diaspora engagement in the areas of trade; investment and tourism; knowledge and technology transfer; foreign currency inflows; and promotion of cultural values and image building.

IOM had been supporting the development of the diaspora policy by providing technical support. Recognizing this contribution, IOM was awarded a certificate of participation at the launching ceremony.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is mandated to implement this policy and it is indicated that a national diaspora council representing various higher federal and regional officials and other stakeholders will be established.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Minister of Foreign Affairs addressing the diaspora community.

Mr Bruk Asmellash (IOM) receiving certificate of par-ticipation on behalf of IOM from Dr. Tedros Adhanom (Minister of Foregin Affairs , Ethiopia)

Ethiopia introduces new Diaspora Policy