On 20 November 2024, the conference "Migration and Border Cooperation in Central Asia - State and Civil Society Approach" took place in Brussels within the framework of the EU’s International Partnerships InfoPoint. The event, organised by the BOMCA and PROTECT projects - both implemented by ICMPD’s Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia - highlighted two key European Union-funded initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between civil society organisations and state migration authorities in Central Asia.
The presented projects included the "Strengthening Civil Society Cooperation in Central Asian Border Regions" and "Supporting Migrants through Resource Centres."
The "Strengthening Civil Society Cooperation in Central Asian Border Regions" initiative is being implemented within EU-funded BOMCA project, focuses on empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in the border regions between Central Asian countries. Through capacity-building on fundraising, grant management, and small-scale project implementation, CSOs are better equipped to contribute to regional development. By promoting cross-border cooperation, the initiative seeks to enhance social cohesion and address local challenges related to migration, governance, and economic development.
The second initiative presented, "Supporting Migrants through Resource Centres" is supported by the EU-funded PROTECT project and involves collaboration with state migration authorities to establish and operate Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs). These centres serve as a vital hub for potential migrants, offering them access to evidence-based information on migration opportunities, risks, and processes. The MRCs aim to ensure that migrants are well-informed and prepared, reducing vulnerabilities and promoting safer migration pathways.
The event objectives were the following:
- Highlight Achievements: Showcase the success stories and tangible outcomes of these initiatives in improving migration management, supporting civil society and raising awareness on legal migration in Central Asia.
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage dialogue and partnerships between civil society organisations, state authorities, local governments, and international actors to strengthen future efforts in migration management.
- Raise Awareness: Share best practices and lessons learned to enhance the visibility of these initiatives and their potential for replication in other regions.
The video of the conference is available here.
