Sudan - The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security has signed a NOK 4 million (USD 480,000) agreement to fund Phase III of an IOM project: “Enhancing Protection and Improving Knowledge on the Risks of Irregular Migration in Sudan.” The one-year project will contribute to enhancing the protection of migrants by increasing their access to services and promoting alternatives to irregular migration.

Norway has supported the project over the past three years through the two previous phases. Last year established a Migrant Resource and Response Centre (MRRC) in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, a key transit city for mixed migration flows and irregular migrants.

The MRRC is the first of its kind in Sudan and offers migrants a range of services in one location. They include information and counselling on risks of irregular migration, medical assistance, psychosocial support, and assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) to their countries of origin.

Norwegian Ambassador to Sudan Bård Hopland said: “The (good) results from Phase I and Phase II show how relevant this project is and the need for it.”

IOM Sudan Chief of Mission Mario Lito Malanca said: “This project is important because it addresses the unique and challenging migration environment in Sudan; a country with mixed migration flows, limited regular migration opportunities and numerous migration management challenges.”

The project will continue to be implemented in close partnership and coordination with Sudan’s Ministry of Interior, the Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, UNFPA, UNICEF, local service providers and NGOs.

For further information, please contact Veera Tua Jansa at IOM Sudan, Tel.:+ +249922406649, Email: tvjansa@iom.int