At the request of the Nigerien Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the NGO Graspi (Groupe de Réflexion et d’Action pour le Soutien au Phénomène de l’Immigration), MIEUX/ICMPD held a thematic info-session focusing on irregular migration among youth for governmental and non-governmental Nigerien entities in Niamey 31 July-02 August 2017. This session was the first of three activities, the other two focusing on migration, youth and employment, and the reintegration of returning young migrants.
This session is part of the MIgration EU eXpertise (MIEUX) Initiative, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The overall aim of MIEUX is to support partner countries and regional organisations to better manage migration and mobility.
The info-session in Niger contributed to building the capacity of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the NGO Graspi and other relevant entities, including several from the regions, to tackle challenges pertinent to irregular migration and youth in Niger, but also along migration routes.
The challenges presented by irregular migration, including the rights of unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups, were discussed among the government and non-government staff, particularly as the subject concerns prevention and protection.
The drafting of a Practical Guide on Migration and Youth for the Youth Information Point and other stakeholders was also launched. The guide focuses on what to inform potential young migrants about and the modalities to employ for doing so.
In addition to the MIEUX experts who presented good practices from the EU, Ireland, Mali and other countries, participants from the regions presented unique contexts at local levels.
More information about the project here.