STRENGTHENING MIGRATION MANAGEMENT - MARRI REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN SKOPJE

Strengthening Migration Management and Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Migration Contexts: A Regional Approach

In a concerted effort to address one of the most pressing human rights challenges in migration, the Executive President and CEO of the International Police Organization IPO Dr. Mareglen Tomori, was honored to participate in the Regional Conference on Gender-Based Violence in the Migration Context.

The event, titled "Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum, and Return Processes in the Western Balkans", took place on March 5-6, 2025, in Skopje, North Macedonia. The conference was organized by the Migration, Asylum, Refugees Regional Initiative (MARRI) under the Presidency of the Republic of Albania, in collaboration with Hilfswerk International Representation Office Sarajevo.

MARRI: A Regional Force for Migration Cooperation

Established in 2003, MARRI serves as a regional platform for enhancing cooperation among Western Balkan countries on migration-related issues. The organization's primary objective is to foster a comprehensive and harmonized approach to migration management, asylum policies, border security, visa regulations, and refugee reintegration, all in alignment with international and European standards. More details about their mission and initiatives can be found at MARRI's official website.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Migration

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in migration is a complex and multifaceted human rights issue that knows no borders. It disproportionately affects women, girls, and marginalized groups, who often face vulnerabilities due to factors such as armed conflicts, economic hardship, legal barriers, and entrenched cultural norms. These factors exacerbate the risks faced by migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, making GBV a critical concern for international and regional policymakers.

The Regional Conference on Gender-Based Violence in the Migration Context was convened to address these urgent issues. Experts, policymakers, law enforcement officials, and frontline responders gathered to develop gender-sensitive and gender-responsive strategies aimed at preventing and addressing GBV within migration contexts. The discussions underscored the need for interregional cooperation in implementing robust legal frameworks, improving victim support services, and fostering a collaborative approach between governments and non-governmental organizations.

Key Outcomes and Strategic Approaches

The conference emphasized the following crucial takeaways:

1. Enhancing Policy Coordination: Strengthening the synergy between migration management and gender-sensitive policies to ensure better protection and support for GBV survivors.

2. Legal and Institutional Reforms: Advocating for policies that uphold human rights and integrate GBV prevention measures into national and regional migration frameworks.

3. Training and Capacity Building: Equipping law enforcement agencies, social workers, and first responders with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, prevent, and address GBV in migration settings.

4. Cross-Border Cooperation: Encouraging stronger regional partnerships to ensure a harmonized and unified response to GBV in migration, particularly within the Western Balkans.

5. Victim Support Mechanisms: Establishing safe reporting channels and comprehensive support services, including shelters, healthcare, and legal assistance for GBV survivors.

Moving Forward: A Call for Sustained Action

The Regional Conference served as a pivotal platform for addressing GBV in migration, highlighting the urgent need for continued collaboration among regional and international stakeholders. The participation of distinguished experts and state institutions reinforced the importance of strengthening law enforcement engagement in combatting GBV within migration systems.

As the Western Balkans and the international community continue working towards safer migration pathways, this conference marks a significant step in ensuring that migration policies are not only effective in managing movement but also uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals—especially those most vulnerable to gender-based violence. 

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