East African 4th Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration kicks off in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, March 13, 2023 (FBC) – The East African 4th Regional Ministerial Forum on Migration kicked off today in Addis Ababa.

Government ministers from 11 countries across East and Horn of Africa (EHOA) have gathered in Addis Ababa to participate in the 4th regional forum that focuses on the benefits of migration for sustainable development and economic growth in the region, whilst enhancing the protection of migrant workers, according to the State Minister for Foreign Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labor and Skills, Asegd Getachew.

It is indicated that the Ministers will also seek look at establishing consensus on regional common approaches and priorities, as well as promoting social dialogue in the formulation and implementation of evidence-based, human rights-based, and gender-sensitive labour migration governance initiatives and frameworks, in order to foster greater labour mobility.

Chaired by Muferihat Kamil of Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills, RMFM on Harmonizing Labour Migration Policies in East and Horn of Africa: A United Approach on Safe, Regular and Humane Labour Migration, was established to jointly address labour migration policies, foster labour mobility, and protect the fundamental human, labour, and social rights of migrant workers migrating within and from the continent.

The Forum recognizes that while a significant number of migrant workers from the region look toward other destinations such as the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the majority of labour movements is intra-regional.

It is mentioned that technical experts and policy makers are scheduled to spend the initial four days working in the RMFM’s diverse Technical Working Groups that will look at mapping skills gaps and labour shortages, bilateral labour agreements, harmonizing the sending of remittances and expanding financial inclusion of migrants. This will culminate in a High-Level Ministerial summit, with attendance from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the East African Community (EAC), and the African Union, the International Labour Organization and other UN Agencies, donors and representatives from the diplomatic corps.

The Forum is scheduled to be held from 13th to the 17th of March. It is also noted that the Forum is currently chaired by Muferihat Kamil, Minister of Labor and Skills of Ethiopia.

In addition to the Ministers of Labour and Employment of HOA, this forum brought together representatives of International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community, African Union Commission, other UN agencies, Technical Working Groups and donors.