News
Global

UN Migration Agency Supports Korean Efforts to Help Prepare Migrants for Disasters

IOM project coordinator Seonyoung Lee demonstrates the use of a fire extinguisher during the disaster preparedness training for migrants living in Korea. Photo: IOM 2017

El coordinador de proyecto de la OIM Seonyoung Lee hace una demostración sobre el uso de un matafuego durante la capacitación sobre preparación frente a desastres destinada a migrantes que viven en Corea. Foto: OIM

IOM project coordinator Seonyoung Lee demonstrates the use of a fire extinguisher during the disaster preparedness training for migrants living in Korea. Photo: IOM 2017

Republic of Korea – The UN Migration Agency (IOM) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Public Safety and Security have organized a series of disaster preparedness trainings for migrants living in seven Korean cities. The trainings, which took place between 13 and 21 June, attracted over 230 participants.

“Today over two million migrants live in the Korean society,” said Miah Park, IOM ROK Head of Office. “Factors such as language and culture can impact their capacity to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. It is important for the government to recognize this and introduce measures to improve their preparedness,” she added.

The training introduced the basic concepts of emergency response management following natural disasters, information on the health risks associated with poor sanitation and details about evacuation zones. Local emergency management agencies also conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) simulation training. 

“When thinking of my children, I am always concerned about their safety, especially during emergencies here in Korea,” said one Vietnamese mother of four who took part. “The training was a good opportunity to learn practical skills that I could apply for my family and myself,” she added.

Recognizing the importance of preparedness training, the ROK Ministry of Justice has decided to include the subject in their Korea Immigration and Integration Programme (KIIP). IOM and the Ministry of Public Safety and Security have also developed a Disaster Preparedness Handbook in five languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai.

For further information, please contact IOM ROK:
Jumi Kim, Tel: +827048200292, Email: jukim@iom.int
Seonyoung Lee, Tel: +827048202751, Email: selee@iom.int