IOM and the Egyptian National Council for Human Rights (NCHR)
concluded a two-day training on international migration law on 5
November. The training was opened by NCHR President Dr. Boutrous
Boutrous Ghali and IOM Regional Representative for the Middle East,
Md. Shahidul Haque. Dr. Boutrous Boutrous Ghali highlighted the
economic importance of migration, noting that remittances from
Egyptians abroad currently double revenues from the Suez Canal. At
the same time, it is critical to ensure the human rights of
migrants.

Among the 30 participants was staff from the NCHR, as well as
from relevant Ministries including Interior, Foreign Affairs and
Manpower and Emigration, NGOs, academic institutions and a number
of international bodies, such as the League of Arab States and the
UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The training started with the
protection of human rights of migrants, followed by migrant
smuggling and trafficking and an introduction to regional migration
instruments. The second day focused on case studies to demonstrate
how international instruments can be applied.

The NCHR is currently working together with IOM to support the
development of a comprehensive and sustainable strategy to
safeguard the rights of Egyptian migrants and migrants in Egypt. In
particular, IOM and the NCHR have agreed to cooperate for the
establishment of a Migration Unit within the NCHR framework.
Consistent with NCHR mandate, it is anticipated that the Migration
Unit will: research effective policies and practices for the
protection of migrants’ rights; advise and offer technical
support to a comprehensive network of Government and civil society
partners; and assist the Egyptian Ombudsman’s Office to
uphold the rights of Egyptians abroad through the investigation of
complaints and the provision of legal advice.

For further information, please contact:

Ginette Kidd

IOM Cairo

Tel: +202 2736 0848/2735 0879

E-mail: "mailto:gkidd@iom.int" target="_blank" title=
"">gkidd@iom.int