In a significant initiative aimed at improving the conditions and support for migrants in transit, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), has inaugurated the Migration Response Center (MRC) in Burao, Somaliland.
This center marks a critical milestone in the region’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and dignity of migrants on the move.
The MRC is part of the IOM‘s broader Regional Migrant Response Plan, which encompasses the Horn of Africa, Yemen, and Southern Africa. This plan is designed to address the complex challenges faced by migrants who often find themselves in precarious situations along migration routes.
The newly established center in Burao is strategically located to serve as a hub for essential protection services and voluntary return support for both migrants in transit and those stranded.
At the MRC, a variety of services will be offered to vulnerable migrants. These include emergency shelter, medical assistance, and mental health services, alongside programs for Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR).
The center also focuses on awareness-raising and information-sharing to empower migrants with the knowledge they need regarding their rights and available resources.
Additionally, essential non-food items will be distributed to support the basic needs of those passing through the area.
The official launch of the MRC was a high-profile event, attended by key figures including the Somaliland Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, the Regional Governor of Togdheer, the Mayor of Burao District, and the IOM Deputy Chief of Mission.
The involvement of civil society organizations and representatives from the migrant communities further emphasized a collective commitment to improving migration management and strengthening the safeguards for migrants’ rights.
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Prestage, the IOM Deputy Chief of Mission, underscored the center’s significance. She stated, “The establishment of the Burao MRC is a testament to the ongoing commitment of IOM and its partners to address the needs of vulnerable migrants. By strengthening protection mechanisms and providing lifesaving services, we aim to ensure that no migrant is left behind.”
This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Suleiman Dualleh Haji Jama, the Somaliland Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs. He praised the initiative, asserting that the center would play a vital role in ensuring that migrants’ rights are respected and that they receive adequate support to make informed decisions about their futures.
The MRC in Burao joins a growing network of centers strategically located along key migration corridors. This expansion is crucial for enhancing regional coordination and response efforts and signals a collaborative approach to migration management between governments, NGOs, and civil society. IOM’s Migrant Protection and Assistance Program, which oversees the MRC network, continues to seek partnerships and support to further bolster access to protection and assistance services for migrants.
As the region grapples with ongoing migration challenges, the establishment of the Migration Response Center in Burao stands as a beacon of hope, providing essential support for some of the most vulnerable populations.
With its array of services and community involvement, the MRC is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of migrants in Somaliland and beyond.
