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Workshop on Forced Migration including Refugees, Externally and Internally Displaced Persons in the SADC Region, October 2003
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3. DAY THREE
Closing Session
(Facilitated by Mr. Pдr Liljert, IOM)
Mr Vincent Williams, SAMP expressed SAMP's satisfaction with the results of the workshop, its attendance and participants' engagement. He also said the emerging consensus demonstrated a commitment on behalf of SADC Governments to move towards a regional approach to the issue of forced migration. He pledged to continue SAMP's collaboration through continued data collection and research, which was SAMP's strength.
Mr. H.P. Boe, IOM echoed Mr. Williams, adding that IOM would take the recommendations to heart and use them to work towards concrete activities to support governments and migrants, as always in collaboration with governments, UN partners, NGOs and donors. He called for governments to work with SAMP and IOM to help mobilise donor resources for projects. In concluding, he again offered a vote of thanks to the Government of Zambia for its hospitality and very active and constructive participation in the workshop.
Mr. Peter Mumba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs of Zambia, speaking on behalf of his Government, said he was pleased to note from the discussions that the right to seek asylum and the protection of refugees within the existing framework remain undisputed and that most countries in the SADC region do have in place mechanisms for providing effective protection to refugees. He noted, on the converse, it is apparent that there is no clear legal or institutional framework dealing with internally displaced persons at international, regional or national levels. Mr. Mumba further noted that policies, laws and institutions have been developed to address the challenges of forced migration, but there is a need for consistency in the application of these policies to achieve an effective regional response. In his final remarks he emphasised that co-operation amongst states and relevant actors should thus become an integral part of our regional strategy. The Permanent Secretary declared the Lusaka MIDSA Workshop on Forced Migration closed.
The group was finally reminded of the next MIDSA event on Harmonisation of Policy and Legislation, to take place in Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho, December 1-3, 2003, and the participants rose at 11.30 hrs.
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