Geneva – Sudan Now
Sudan’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Welfare, Moatasim Ahmed Saleh, discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) during a meeting with IOM Director General Amy Pope in Geneva.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference and was attended by Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan, along with officials from both sides.
According to a statement, the discussions focused on voluntary return programs, reintegration initiatives and recovery efforts in Sudan as increasing numbers of displaced people and refugees return to their areas in several states following recent security developments.
Saleh expressed appreciation for the role played by the IOM in supporting displaced populations, refugees and host communities throughout the conflict, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation during Sudan’s recovery phase.
The minister said growing numbers of returnees have created an urgent need for additional support for safe, voluntary and sustainable return programs, as well as initiatives aimed at reintegration, livelihoods and community stabilization.
The two sides also discussed cooperation in vocational training, skills development, social protection programs, data management systems and the use of digital solutions to improve services targeting vulnerable groups.
Saleh emphasized the importance of gradually transitioning from emergency humanitarian response to recovery, reintegration and resilience-building efforts, arguing that such measures are essential to restoring social and economic stability in communities affected by the war.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to appoint focal points from both sides to ensure regular coordination and follow-up. The parties also agreed to organize a joint technical mission to identify priority areas for cooperation and develop an operational framework for future engagement.
For her part, Pope reaffirmed the IOM’s commitment to supporting Sudan during the recovery, voluntary return and reintegration phases, expressing readiness to assist programs aimed at promoting stability and sustainable development.
The meeting comes as Sudan continues to face one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with millions forced from their homes since the outbreak of war in April 2023, while humanitarian agencies and government institutions seek to support returnees in areas where security conditions have improved.
