The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched its strategy in Bosnia for the period 2022-2025, which is a key tool for articulating trends and challenges, as well as the way in which the IOM will cooperate with BiH authorities, migrants, host communities and partners on achieving positive developments in the next four years.

“This Strategy affirms IOM´s commitment to support governments, local authorities and stakeholders in upholding migrants’ rights, regardless of their migration status and across all stages of the migration cycle. With this Strategy, and in cooperation with our numerous and diverse partners, we will continue to respond to the needs and aspirations of migrants, building societies fit for a modern, mobile and interconnected world. IOM looks forward to strengthening its partnerships in BiH and joining efforts in fostering migration for the benefit of all”, said Renate Held, Director of IOM’s Vienna Regional Office.

“This Strategy has been elaborated by IOM in consultation with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) authorities. Building on the work achieved and the collaboration established with local authorities and a wide range of partners, our Strategy highlights the current and future migration trends in BiH and sets the context in which IOM carries out its activities. It outlines the challenges and opportunities relating to migration as well as socio-economic stability in the country, and identifies linkages between IOM’s work and relevant frameworks”, said Laura Lungarotti, IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chief of Mission and Western Balkans Sub-Regional Coordinator.

There are four main priorities:

– Supporting a long-term, local, and state-owned response for protection and humanitarian assistance to migrants
– Building vibrant, inclusive and resilient communities by addressing prominent drivers of instability
– Helping migrants and society thrive through safe, orderly, and regular mobility pathways
– Leveraging informed and evidence-based policy and discourses

The Strategy is based on the IOM Strategic Vision and related IOM governance documents. While it is intended for a four-year period (2022–2025), it is flexible and subject to periodic review, allowing for adjustments to new realities and emerging issues. IOM will stress complementary action and strive to implement this strategy in close cooperation and partnership with governments, donors, migrants, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Building on the work achieved and the collaboration established with local authorities and a wide range of partners, the comprehensive document draws on relevant frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Framework in BiH 2021-2025, the forthcoming BiH Strategy and Action Plan on Migration and Asylum 2021-2025, the European Union (EU) Pact on Migration and Asylum and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).