JUBA-The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with government on Tuesday held third inter-ministerial Summit on Migration Governance in Juba.
The three-day summit aims to strengthen collaboration among government ministries in developing a unified approach to migration governance to promote sustainable development and social cohesion.
The event brought together high-level representatives from Government Ministries, International partners, civil society, and academia.
The First Vice President, DR. Riek Machar noted that Migration is a powerful force that can help South Sudan grow as a nation.
“Migration is not just something we have to manage, it is a powerful force that can help us grow, inspire new ideas, and strengthen connections in our communities,” Machar said during opening of summit in Juba on Tuesday.
Machar stressed the need to harmonize polices with the regional frameworks to ensure South Sudan benefits from the positive aspects of migration.
“However, in order to unlock the full potential of migration, we need to work together with careful planning and coordination, both within our own countries and across borders,” he said.
For her part, Angelina Teny, Minister of Interior said the government have taken steps to ensure of protection of foreign migrants.
“South Sudan recognizes migration as a positive phenomenon; therefore, the country has put in place legals frameworks to enhance migration governance,” said Teny.
She said they have registered up to 15,000 or more returnees since conflict broke out in Sudan on 15 April 2023.
“So, so far we have registered maybe up to 15,000 or more returnees. This is to safeguard and protect from the risk of state business,” she said.
She said they are now embarking on a process of issuance of electronic readable IDs and travel documents for refugees.
Meanwhile, Asar Muhammad, IOM South Sudan Head of Operations said they are working in partnership with government to strengthening the migration governance framework by identifying legal, institutional, and operational gaps.
“Well-managed migration has the potential to drive economic growth and strengthen social cohesion. As the lead UN Migration Agency, we are committed to support the Government of South Sudan in its efforts to establish a unified migration governance framework,” said Muhammad.
