Sudan, IOM Discuss Strengthening Cooperation on Voluntary Return, Reintegration and Recovery
Geneva /
The Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare, Moatasim Ahmed Saleh, met today in Geneva with Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sudan to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, along with several officials from both sides.
The Minister expressed Sudan’s appreciation for the important role the International Organization for Migration has played in supporting internally displaced persons, refugees, and host communities over the past years. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Sudan and the organization during the country’s current phase of recovery and reconstruction.
The Minister reviewed developments related to recovery, reconstruction, and voluntary return efforts, noting that Sudan is witnessing an increasing number of returnees to their areas of origin across several states. He stressed that this trend requires additional support for safe, dignified, and sustainable voluntary return programs, as well as reintegration initiatives, livelihood opportunities, and community stabilization efforts.
The two sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in supporting returnees and displaced persons, enhancing vocational training and skills development programs, improving data management, registration and targeting systems, and utilizing digital solutions to strengthen social protection programs and services directed at the most vulnerable groups.
The Minister underscored the importance of gradually transitioning from humanitarian response to recovery, reintegration, and resilience-building, in a manner that contributes to social and economic stability in war-affected communities.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to designate focal points from both sides to ensure regular coordination and follow-up.
The parties also agreed to organize a joint technical mission to identify priority areas for intervention and prepare a practical framework for cooperation during the next phase.
For her part, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continuing its support for Sudan during the recovery, voluntary return, and reintegration phase.
She expressed readiness to make every effort possible to support programs and initiatives that contribute to stability and sustainable development.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of building upon and further developing the existing partnership between Sudan and the International Organization for Migration in line with the country’s priorities for recovery and reconstruction.