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Acronyms / 2

Niger: Background / 3

Improved migration governance for sustainable development / 4

Migration challenges in Niger / 6

Principles: Rights, Evidence and Partnerships to support

migration governance / 7

Strategic commitments for Niger / 8

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AQIM - Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb

DTM - Displacement Tracking Matrix

ECOWAS - Economic Community of West African States

FMP - Flow Monitoring Point

IBM - Immigration and Border Management

IDP - Internally Displaced Person

IOM - International Organization for Migration

MIDAS - Migration Information and Data Analysis System

MiGoF - Migration Governance Framework

MRRM - Migrant Resource and Response Mechanism

MUJAO - Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa

NFI - Non Food Item

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund

SDG - Sustainable Development Goals

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The world is on the move at an unprecedented scale, making migration this century’s mega-trend.

In Niger, two developments dominate migration dynamics including increased migration flows in

the North of the country and the Boko Haram insurgency in the South. This has resulted in a

dramatic increase from 2015 to 2016, with over 400,000 migrants observed through flow

monitoring points in Arlit and Seguidine composed of both Nigeriens returning and people from

West and Central Africa. According to the Government of Niger’s figures over 241,000 people are

displaced in the Diffa region due to the Boko Haram insurgency including 105,491 Internally

Displaced Persons (IDPs), 14,678 returnees, and 121,391 refugees.

The sheer scale and complexity of these flows highlight the inevitability of migration and the

critical need for migration governance in Niger. The International Organization for Migration (IOM)

has responded with a three pronged approach to rapidly address the situation: the establishment

of the Migrant Resource and Response Mechanism (MRRM), a robust humanitarian response in

Diffa, and Immigration and Border Management (IBM) interventions.

4

With longstanding expertise on migration

and a solid commitment to the 2030 agenda,

IOM has developed the Migration

Governance Framework (MiGoF) to offer a

structured approach to achieve migration

governance. It combines six fundamental

elements that, when taken together, ensure

that migration is governed in an integrated

and holistic way. In Niger this translates into

responding to the need to consider mobile

populations that are in emergencies, building

resilience, and creating opportunities for

migrants and society.

The MiGoF enables IOM to support requests

by Member States for country assessments

and mobilize its organizational expertise to

strengthen migration governance. As a

consolidated set of three principles and three

objectives, ensuring that migration is

humane, orderly and benefits both migrants

and society, it is representative of IOM’s

vision of and commitment to migration

governance.

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Its framework includes a set of specific indicators

laying the foundation to measure states’ progress

against the Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs) defined by the UN 2030 Agenda. As such,

it supports governments’ efforts to identify gaps

and priorities when building capacity and devising

migration policies and programmes in accordance

with the 17 SDGs and their respective targets,

primarily to achieve SDG 10.7 to facilitate orderly

and safe migration through well managed

migration policies.

IOM Niger’s Forecast Understanding of the

Country Office Framework aims to address

migration challenges by adapting this vision to the

country. It reflects the IOM Regional Office’s

commitment to support migration governance

and the 2030 agenda and provides a framework

for the national strategy.

6

Niger is one of the least developed countries in the world, with one of the poorest socio-economic and

development indicators (187/188 UNDP’s Human Development Indicators 2016) and the highest

demographic growth (average 7.6 children per woman). As a result, Niger has a very high dependency

ratio with almost 70% of the 18 million population aged under 24 years (50% aged 0-14 years). The

economy is largely dependent on subsistence agriculture and is vulnerable to adverse climate conditions

and regional insecurity. An estimated 60% of the population live below the poverty line. In 2016, 3.5

million people are expected to be in need of food assistance.

Instability in neighbouring countries (notably Mali, Libya and Nigeria), as well as internal conflict in certain

regions of Niger, periodic drought and flooding, and the establishment of the Economic Community of

West African State (ECOWAS) free movement area, are all factors shaping the migratory movements that

affect Niger as both a country of origin, transit and destination.

For more than 90% of the migrants assisted by IOM (both Nigeriens and other nationalities) the

willingness to improve their living conditions and to seek better professional opportunities is the main

reason why they decide to migrate. Most of them have expressed their desperation and frustration

because of the lack of employment opportunities and perspectives in their communities of origin.

Migrants arriving from ECOWAS countries enjoy freedom of movement and enter Niger legally. Similarly

Nigerien authorities are powerless to return migrants from ECOWAS countries identified attempting to

cross illegally into Libya. In the absence of possibilities for voluntary return many remain stranded in

Niger with no other choice than to try to earn enough to pay for the continuation of the trip.

Although Niger is considered relatively stable, population displacement, and the continued growth of

migrant ‘ghettos’ in hot spots along the migration routes increase pressure on already limited resources

(food and land) and could pose a threat to the fragile security balance in Northern Niger. The activities

of transnational criminal and terrorist organizations (AQIM, MUJAO, Al-Sharia, Boko Haram, Al-

Mulathameen Brigades) also contribute to insecurity. These conditions are driving increased migration,

facilitated by well-developed criminal networks and exacerbated by high levels of corruption.

A right based approach to migration management cannot ignore the rise in violent extremism and

radicalization of youth affecting some parts of the region, in particular the Sahel. In light of this rising

insecurity, a well-managed, orderly migration system requiring practical, humane and rights-based

operational solutions remains an absolute priority. Ensuring the mobility of cross-border communities

raises border management challenges in the absence of effective identity management systems and

limited capacities to ensure surveillance and control over the extensive and porous borders throughout

the region. IOM is also committed to advocating against the increasing tendency to stigmatize migrants

as potential violent extremists.

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The three principles and objectives of the MiGoF lay out the necessary conditions to

achieve sound migration governance and maximize its positive effects for the benefit of

all. They represent the means through which a State will ensure that the systemic

requirements for good migration governance are in place.

Building on the Regional Strategy, IOM Niger will strengthen its engagement and collaboration with Civil Society

Organizations, strive to be gender-sensitive by taking into consideration the specific needs of women, girls, boys

and men in its outreach with partners and in its projects. Gender equality is a guiding principles of IOM.

IOM protects migrants’ rights through a sensitive approach based on gender. Gender, including for trafficked

persons, vulnerable returned migrants, unaccompanied minors as well as abused migrants, is taken into account

during all stages of the assistance provided by IOM. IOM Niger is committed to ensuring that the particular

needs of all migrant women are identified, taken into consideration and addressed by IOM services. Moreover,

partners, institutional or non-governmental, are also encouraged to integrate gender into their interventions.

IOM Niger will also give particular attention to youth needs in relation to the emerging demographic trends,

environmental issues, vulnerability of Niger due to conflict and natural disasters, and in line with the Human

Rights Based Approach, IOM Niger will promote and strengthen the protection of human rights of migrants.

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a. Strengthening migration data collection and management

The government of Niger’s capacity to comprehensively collect and manage data is limited, including in the field of

migration.

Enhance the Government of Niger’s capacities to track displacement in an emergency context through the

implementation and progressive handover of joint Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).

Enhance data collection and analysis on migratory flows throughout Niger by increasingly strengthening the network

of Flow Monitoring Points (FMPs) and joint monitoring of flows and preparation of reports with the Government of

Niger.

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b. Strengthening national migration policy development

b. Strengthening national migration policy development

The government of Niger does not have a comprehensive migration strategy or policy. There is political will to address

this issue, however efforts have focused on fighting crime linked to migration, such as trafficking, smuggling and irregular

migration.

Lobby for the development of an overall approach to migration and sectorial policies, strategies or plans and support

Government of Niger in their formulation, review and adoption

Provide support to the Nigerien Cadre de Concertation sur les Migrations and its sub-groups, through,inter alia,

provision of expertise on migration policies, support in drafting or reviewing documents, sharing best practices, and

facilitating exchange among stakeholders.

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a. Providing protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants

The migratory flows in Niger are composed of individuals with differing immediate needs such as unaccompanied

minors, pregnant women, victims of exploitation and abuse, smuggled migrants and trafficked persons, elderly

persons, families, asylum seekers and migrants with special health needs.

Reinforce governmental capacities to address the specific needs of migrants with specific needs (for example the

children, women, migrants with mental health needs for assistance, etc.) with the aim to develop a comprehensive

framework for the protection of vulnerable migrants in Niger.

Provide adapted assistance to vulnerable migrants, according to their specific needs, in adherence with international

standards and in coordination with the authorities involved (Ministry of Population, the Promotion of Women and Child

Protection, National Agency for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons, Regional Directorate for Civil States and

Refugees, etc.).

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b. Fostering effective reintegration of returning migrants

Migrants in vulnerable situations are more likely to retry irregular migration after return. Migrants find themselves

confronted with stereotypes and prejudices in their home communities. Governments in the countries of origins do

not have the capacities to provide returnees and their communities of origin with sustainable reintegration.

Support the voluntary, informed and dignified return of migrants transiting in Niger to their countries of origin and the

reintegration/integration of returning Nigerien migrants.

Develop individual and community based initiatives to foster integration and reintegration of migrants and potential

migrants.

Support the capacities of local actors in the communities of return to develop sustainable opportunities in the region

of return/origin.

Support reintegration of returnees in countries of origin, while taking into account the needs and concerns of the

communities of return.

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c. Improving data collection and monitoring on return and reintegration and more in general on the assistance provided to migrants

Information on migrants is collected almost exclusively by IOM including sex and age disaggregated data. IOM data

refers mainly to migrants assisted by IOM. There is a lack of data on migration statistics in the country as a whole. This

prevents cohesive planning of activities related to the migration phenomenon.

Enhance data collection and analysis related to profiles of migrants through development of sophisticated registration

system which will be linked to IOM offices in countries of origin.

Build capacity of the Government for data collection and analysis.

Establish reintegration monitoring mechanisms to evaluate success of monitoring programs, through regular

monitoring missions and regular surveys done at various stages of the reintegration process.

Enhance data collection related to vulnerable migrants including profiling and analysis of migration data and develop

tools to effectively monitor assistance and services delivered to migrants.

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d. Identifying most appropriate protection measures for children on the move

Among migrants crossing Niger, many are non-accompanied minors, tendency rising. Nigerien governmental bodies

are not adequately equipped to conduct family tracing in countries or origin and provide adapted assistance.

Establish functioning referral mechanisms and context-adapted Standard Operating Procedures with the authorities

and other relevant parties involved.

Reinforce governmental capacities to address the specific needs of children on the move.

Reinforce a case-by-case approach for non-accompanied minors, through individual monitoring and assistance to

ensure the best interest of each child is met.

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C

a. Integrating a health component in all emergency responses

Journeys through the desert are long and dangerous, and migrants often find themselves isolated, in poor physical

condition. Moreover those migrants who make it to Libya are even more vulnerable during their journey and often

suffer all sorts of abuses ranging from physical, sexual to psychological ill-treatment.

Many migrants are in need of protection and health assistance, and the authorities - especially at the local level - are

unequipped to address this urgent situation. Health services are not available in all areas of displacement hence some

services are not accessible to displaced populations.

Establish functioning referral mechanisms with national, regional and local care structures, and reinforce their

capacities.

Reinforce the referral mechanism for health cases encountered during profiling to existing national/regional and

humanitarian health structures with follow-up through health actors in the region.

Advocate where possible for mobile clinics through the health cluster in areas with no health services.

Provide rapid and adequate assistance and health

care to migrants with health needs before their

return to their countries of origin.

Reinforce the equipment and services available in

the transit centers and on the road.

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a. Enhancing coherent, coordinated and rights’ based approaches to border management

The current approach to border management is neither comprehensive nor

coherent. There is no dedicated border police body with specific Terms of

References and be trained accordingly. The different law enforcement agencies

are working separately with limited or no coordination, and there is no national

strategy/policy on border management.

Promote Directorate of Territorial Surveillance as a strong immigration and border management police agency,

including visibility, Human Resources reform, equipment and infrastructural donation (Headquarter and border

posts).

Jointly with the Government, develop a Humanitarian Border Management strategy for better preparedness towards

cross-border crisis, based on their particularisms (Libya, Mali, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso); through regionally level

contingency response plans in 8 Niger regions, mass migration crisis simulations exercises to apply those.

Together with the relevant law enforcement agencies, work on the concept of integrated border management in

order to better coordinate, facilitate regular migration and mitigate transnational crime with the ultimate aim to

develop a comprehensive national strategy for integrated border management.

Support the creation of an Office of ID Management in Niger, to be in charge for traveler documents, visa issuance,

passport/ID, and strengthen ID Management (see below). This would be done through comprehensive trainings,

equipment, study visit, etc.

The Government is aware of this situation and, in light of Niger’s long and porous borders, is determined to enhance

border management at all levels including through comprehensive planning and development of strategies. They

however lack capacities to do so without support.

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b. Strengthening the skills and knowledge of border officials

Further regional coordination and understanding on border management and

increase knowledge for border police officials through regional training

institutions such as of the College Sahélien de Sécurité the peace building school

of Bamako, and a regional border police academy for Sahel.

c. Fostering regional mobility through improved identity management solutions

As of 2017, less than 7% of the Nigerien population has an ID document, while few

more have a breeder document. At the same time, the ECOWAS ID card has not been

rolled out yet, while visa issuance is hampered by scarce presence of Nigerien

embassies/consulate around the world.

Develop an efficient system for issuance and registration of breeder documents in the capital and in the regions to

ensure an enhanced data management and protection of the Nigerien population, via registration campaigns,

assessments and strategy on birth registration.

Jointly with the consular services, lobby for e-visa initiation together, including installations at the airport, development

of a standardized visa vignette, online platform and trainings.

Support the creation of an Office for ID Management of Niger, following a National Police reform, through the

construction of an ID management Headquarter including a computerized database, a Migration Information and Data

Analysis Center (MIDAS) training center, etc.

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a. Addressing root causes of crises and building resilience at community level

The humanitarian crisis in the Diffa region continues to unfold with 340,000 people in need in 2017. Two thirds of Diffa

population are composed of IDPs, returnees and refugees. 1 person out of 3 is in need of humanitarian assistance. IOM

is supporting the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Manager in assisting the families in need and coordinating

humanitarian actors under the Shelter/Non Food Item (NFI) working group.

As the security situation is slowly improving there is need for developing a durable solution framework to facilitate the

return of IDP, refugees and returnees to their villages of origin.

Advocate and take relevant actions to provide transition and recovery assistance to families affected by the Boko Haram

crisis who expressed the intention of returning to their areas of origin.

Invest on Disaster Risk Reduction and build resilience of communities to the impact of climate change.

Support to strengthen Government of Niger policies, procedures and tool to manage the displacement cycle.

Scale up humanitarian Shelter/NFI assistance to vulnerable population regardless their legal status (IDPs / refugees /

returnees / hosting communities) while promoting durable solutions.

Build capacity and provide support to the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management as co-lead of the

Shelter/NFI working group and as the largest provider of Shelter/NFI assistance in Diffa.

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b. Strengthening national and regional capacities to collect reliable data on population movements

The Government of Niger’s capacity to comprehensively collect and manage data on displaced persons is limited.

Support the Regional Directorate for Civil States and Refugees in improving their system of data collection, data analysis

and data sharing/presentation of analysis through incorporating IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)

methodologies with the intention of transferring competencies to the Directorate.

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c. Increasing national preparedness and response capacities for management of displaced populations

There are existing local, regional and central crisis operational centers to address massive displacement. Meanwhile,

there are considerable gaps in terms of training, preparedness, anticipation and coordination among authorities. A

recent simulation exercise was concluded that produced a concerning amount of imitation casualties.

Support the Governorates in terms of equipment to respond to displaced populations, including communications

means, shelters, buses, etc.

Initiate a G5 regional working group to discuss cross border crisis leading to mass migration movements in order to

theoretically test response and preparedness, as well as coordinating potential cross border crisis.

Reinforce the Civil Protection Direction and the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management on

preparations for the management of movement of populations resulting from a crisis (natural or manmade) at the

commune level.

Reinforce the Civil Protection Direction and the Ministry of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management on post crisis

multi-sectorial assessments and Rapid Response Mechanism at the commune level or lower.

Adapt a national contingency plan to each region, with simulation exercises to practice and train local authorities, based

on realistic scenarios.

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SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults

who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for

employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

Young Nigeriens do not have access to quality education, micro-credit support and nor easy access to the job market.

Several governmental structures dedicated to stimulate job opportunities are in place, however, they do not have funds

to achieve their goals.

Strengthen technical skills and support the local enterprises.

Provide quality education and strength capacities of teachers in local communities.

Support an inclusive economic growth by increasing job opportunities of young Nigeriens.

SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive

activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation,

and encourage formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-

sized enterprises including through access to financial services.

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