The European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) have been funding the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme with 122 million Euros since 2016.
According to a press statement from the EU on Monday, the BMM Program operates across six countries in the Horn of Africa and in South Sudan the action is implemented through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“The Horn of Africa remains one of the busiest and riskiest migration corridors in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrants, many of whom are vulnerable women, children, and unaccompanied minors, navigate this perilous journey,” the statement reads in part. “Often, they rely on smugglers and irregular networks, exposing themselves to great risks. This is a concerning reality that demands our urgent attention and coordinated action.”
Since April 2023, South Sudan received 900,000 people fleeing Sudan. This influx highlights the critical need for coherent migration management to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration; establish effective institutions to combat crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling; and protect vulnerable migrants and trafficking victims, the statement said.
The BMM Programme fosters a human-rights-based approach to migration management and strengthening regional cooperation.
“The Republic of South Sudan will host the Annual Inter-Ministerial Summit on Migration Governance on 17 and 19 December 2024. The discussions will focus on migration dynamics within South Sudan, current challenges, and emerging trends,” the EU statement said. “Key topics on the agenda include the link between migration and development, strategies to engage the South Sudanese diaspora, ensuring access to essential services for migrants, and addressing internal displacement and humanitarian response efforts.”
“The BMM Programme remains steadfast in its support for safe migration practices and safeguarding and empowering those seeking a better future,” the statement concluded.