South Sudan Hosts Third Inter-Ministerial Summit to Enhance Migration Governance

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Government of South Sudan, kicked off its third Inter-Ministerial Summit on Migration Governance today in Juba, a pivotal gathering aimed at enhancing collaboration among government ministries to develop a unified approach to migration management.

Running from December 17 to 19, the summit assembles high-level representatives from various government ministries, international partners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. The conference will focus on fostering policies that promote sustainable development and social cohesion within the context of migration.

In his opening remarks, First Vice President HE. Dr. Riek Machar emphasized the transformative potential of migration, stating, “Migration is a powerful force that can help South Sudan grow as a nation.” He urged relevant institutions to harmonize their policies with regional frameworks to maximize the benefits of migration.

Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Angelina Teny, the South Sudan Minister of Interior, highlighted the legal frameworks established by the government to bolster migration governance. “Last year, South Sudan ascended to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), which is a significant step to combat transnational crime and trafficking in persons,” she added.

During the summit, delegates will work on formulating a national migration strategy that aligns with regional and global initiatives, including the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework and the Global Compact for Migration (GCM). They will also identify existing legal, institutional, and operational gaps that hinder effective migration management.

Asar Muhammad, IOM South Sudan Head of Operations, noted, “Well-managed migration has the potential to drive economic growth and strengthen social cohesion. As the lead UN Migration Agency, we are committed to supporting the Government of South Sudan in establishing a unified migration governance framework.” He emphasized the need to address migration challenges while harnessing its potential for national development.

The summit comes at a critical time as South Sudan grapples with various migration-related challenges, including refugee inflows, internal conflicts, climate-induced migration, and labour migration issues. These dynamics place considerable stress on the nation’s institutions and resources, underscoring the importance of effective migration governance for sustainable economic development.

The Inter-Ministerial Summit on Migration Governance has been funded by the European Union and IOM’s Better Migration Management project, reflecting a collective commitment to strengthen migration governance in South Sudan.