Naif University hosts border governance and migrant protection seminar in Istanbul

A three-day seminar focusing on border governance and migrant protection kicked off in Istanbul, organized by Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration. The event, titled "Border Governance and Mechanisms for Migrant Protection," convenes leading experts and specialists from Arab nations, alongside representatives from international organizations and institutions.

Dr. Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al-Harfash, Vice President for External Relations at the university, underscored in the opening session that migration governance and border management have emerged as crucial regional and global concerns due to their multifaceted political, economic, social, and security implications, as well as their impact on national stability and development.

He elaborated on how recent crises and developments in the Arab region have underscored the necessity for scientific and practical advancements in crafting effective policies and mechanisms that strike a balance between security imperatives and humanitarian and developmental concerns, with the ultimate goal of facilitating safe and orderly migration.

The university's deep-rooted partnership with the International Organization for Migration culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding, thereby enabling the execution of joint programs and activities. As the scientific arm of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, Naif University is instrumental in sharing expertise and bolstering joint Arab security initiatives.

Dr. Mustafa Karatas, Head of the Migration Research Center at Turkey's Presidency of Migration Management, applauded the seminar's organization, viewing it as a potent platform for bolstering cooperation and knowledge exchange in border governance and the fight against irregular migration. He stressed the paramount importance of upholding human rights and caring for migrants, aligning with international law and humanitarian principles.

Gerard Waite, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration in Turkey, emphasized that the escalating challenges in border governance necessitate heightened cooperation, knowledge dissemination, capacity enhancement, and the translation of policies into actionable measures that safeguard migrants' dignity and rights.

Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted the significance of partnering with Naif University as a strategic ally in fostering regional discourse and enhancing institutional capabilities in border governance and migration management.

The seminar's agenda encompasses a comprehensive review of prevailing cross-border migration patterns across the Arab region, Turkey, and neighboring territories, alongside the identification of optimal practices in border governance, return, readmission, and coordination. Moreover, it places a strong emphasis on public health, aiming to curb disease transmission, ensure healthcare accessibility, and facilitate cross-border health cooperation.