Bujumbura/Dar es Salaam – IOM, the UN Migration Agency, is working with the governments of Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania to strengthen the capacities of border institutions in the two countries to effectively manage mass border-crossings through a humanitarian border management (HBM) approach.

The 12-month pilot project jointly implemented by IOM, UNDP and UNHCR aims to promote concrete cross-border, human rights-based, and multi-agency approaches to peacebuilding in border areas between Burundi and Tanzania, supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

“Strengthening the knowledge and skills of border officers from Burundi and Tanzania in terms of HBM is of paramount importance as the border between these countries is subject to mass movements due to humanitarian crises,” said Qasim Sufi, IOM Chief of Mission in Tanzania.   

In the context of this project, one of IOM’s responsibilities is to coordinate assessments, build the capacity of stakeholders and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in line with an HBM approach, as well as facilitate cross-border meetings and workshops between officers at the border.

So far in November, 64 immigration and border police from Burundi and Tanzania have been trained on HBM. The trainings were held on 5-9 and 12-16 November in Bujumbura, Burundi and Kigoma, Tanzania respectively.

The training focused on strengthening the level of preparedness and management of significant migratory flows at the border through assessments, capacity building and cross-border meetings by reinforcing collaboration and coordination. It also provided a platform for government officers from the two countries to exchange information, discuss best practices and take steps to reinforce information sharing and cross-border cooperation.

“This training will not only provide a new opportunity to strengthen and sustain the efforts already made by your respective governments in managing population flows at the border, but also to initiate the development of HBM SOPs, which will further serve to reinforce your national contingency plans,” said  AJ Morgen, IOM Burundi Chief of Mission in her opening remarks at the training in Bujumbura.

The training also addressed protection and respect for human rights, engaging local communities, practical exercises on HBM and the development of SOPs. 

Earlier in November, two cross-border coordination meetings for police officers took place at the border. The meetings served to promote sustainable cross-border collaboration, in addition to identifying the gaps and challenges regarding existing mechanisms, operational procedures and exchange of information in terms of HBM.

As part of preparations for the two meetings, IOM conducted two border assessments in Mugina (Makamba province) and Gisuru (Ruyigi province) in Burundi as well as Manyovu in Buhigwe district and Mabamba Kibondo district in Tanzania.

The assessments identified a series of concrete and operational recommendations for key actors in HBM in both countries, particularly in terms of training and equipment needs.

Lack of preparedness in emergencies remains a significant challenge to both countries as the borders between Burundi and Tanzania are heavily trafficked by migrants, particularly during times of conflict on the Burundi side or during voluntary repatriations.

Besides movement caused by conflict, these borders are in a region prone to the spread of diseases such as Cholera and Ebola.

IOM is well-positioned to provide expertise through capacity building in improving their response mechanisms towards mass movements. IOM’s HBM activities aim at improving preparedness and response to protect those who cross borders during emergencies, and at the same time ensuring security at border crossings is maintained.

In Burundi, IOM is partnering with the government to carry out capacity-building activities related to migration management and strives to improve collaboration and coordination with neighbouring countries.

For more information please contact:
Sebastien Reclaru at IOM Burundi, Tel: +257 75400662, Email: sreclaru@iom.int
Gracia Anthony at IOM Tanzania, Tel: +255 716204156, Email: ganthony@iom.int