Statement by the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Development of effective migration management is essential to sustaining peace and stability in South Eastern Europe. Over many years of work in the region, the International Organization for Migration has accumulated a wealth of experience in offering pragmatic, durable and results-oriented solutions to the region’s multiple migration challenges.

IOM maintains a strong field presence in South Eastern Europe with one or more active offices in every country. Through these offices, the Organization conducts programmes in a large variety of migration-related areas, responding to the hazards of the ever-changing migration environment. At present, roughly one quarter of IOM’s human and financial resources worldwide are engaged in the countries of South Eastern Europe.

After its massive engagement in the evacuation and return of displaced people in the region since April 1999, IOM is shifting its focus to programmes which deter further massive irregular movements by developing the capacity of civil society in dealing with migration. To achieve this, IOM’s major operational instruments cover a broad range of programmes that are tailor-made and adapted to target group- or country-specific needs.

Since 1992 IOM has been working in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, mainly in the areas of resettlement, medical screening and cultural orientation for Australia, USA, Canada and Scandinavia-bound refugees as well as voluntary repatriation of irregular migrants. With the restoration of democratic conditions, IOM is planning to expand its current operations into the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Outlines of specific IOM activities are as follows; details of IOM’s programmes are also available outside of this room.

Survey on the immunisation-health status of the IDPs hosted in Serbia and promotion of adequate support

IOM, in co-ordination with WHO and UNICEF, will implement a project that aims to improve the health care of the Kosovars displaced in Serbia. IOM organises a survey to collect information on vaccination status, TB and communicable diseases, and psychological and psychiatric disorders. Following the survey IOM will organise an immunisation and health awareness campaign as well as providing support to facilities serving the IDPs.

Psycho-social assistance to IDPs and members of the host communities in Serbia and development of relevant self-reliance activities

In 2001, IOM plans to implement a project to address the effects of continuous physical and psychological stress through psychosocial support. In addition, selected IDPs will be given the opportunity to implement self-reliance activities through grants. Emphasis will be given to women of both IDP and hosting community.

Pilot project for the return of trafficked women from the Republic of Montenegro

Montenegro is increasingly being used by traffickers both as a destination and transit country. In 2001, IOM will implement a pilot project to contribute to regional counter-trafficking efforts and to provide assistance to the victims. Victims will be offered shelter, pre-departure counselling and medical assistance, while IOM organizes return to their countries of origin. Activities will be co-ordinated with local authorities, international agencies and NGO’s.

Information campaign in Montenegro to raise awareness on irregular migration and trafficking of migrants to the EU

Trafficking in human beings through the Balkans to the EU is on the increase. The decision to migrate is based on misinformation on asylum policies, as well as unrealistic expectations regarding the migrant future status in the EU. In 2001 IOM will implement an information campaign through mass and informal media on the EU legal migration requirements and to raise the awareness of risks of irregular migration. The project will establish co-operation mechanisms among local authorities, international organisations and NGOs.

Community building centres for IDPs from Kosovo residing in Serbia

IDPs have limited access to reliable information on their communities of origin, posing a major obstacle to their return and reintegration. IOM will organise two "Community Building Centres" (CBC) to give selected IDPs the opportunity to access and exchange relevant information with their communities of origin through Internet connections and events/workshops. CBCs will also offer capacity building programs focused on language, computer and Internet skills. CBC activities will be linked to those organised by the Internet cafes established by IOM in Kosovo. Over time, CBCs will become self-sustainable and independent from donor support.

Direct assistance to the IDPs from Kosovo to facilitate their future reintegration in their communities of origin

Return of minorities to Kosovo remains difficult. Lack of access to adequate information on reintegration schemes in Kosovo are an issue. IOM provides minorities with opportunities to access support programmes similar to those that the Kosovo population is currently receiving. Assistance will be given in the form of training courses to upgrade the skills of the beneficiaries and through grants to start activities that will support them during their present conditions and which may be relocated to Kosovo after their return.

Integrated development projects for three municipalities in Sandzak

The absence of financial support together with a weak social infrastructure and a deteriorating public service sector are creating in the Montenegro part of Sandzak, an environment of escalating poverty. As time passes, confidence in the institutions is diminishing and an increasing number of people are considering migration to Western countries. In 2001, IOM will support the public institutions in this area to upgrade the local conditions, reduce the outflow of the residents and create the conditions for the return of the emigrants. The support will be focused on primary health care, education and public services and will include rehabilitation of existing structures, provision of equipment, training and capacity building modules.

Micro-enterprise development in three Sandzak municipalities

The municipalities in the Montenegro part of Sandzak are the less developed in the country. In the context of declining economy, IOM will organize a project that initiates the revitalisation of the local economy generating employment, enhancing the ability of the population to attain self-sufficiency, preventing irregular migration and stimulating the return of the emigrants. This project provides grants and technical assistance to local entrepreneurs, both returnees and resident population, in establishing 100 micro-enterprises. IOM will monitor the activities in close co-operation with the local authorities.