The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency, conducted a community sensitization workshop and awareness-raising campaign from 18 to 20 August, 2020, at Tarakea, Kilimanjaro region, on the border with Kenya.

The community sensitization workshop and awareness-raising campaign which brought together community members including Local Government Officers, religious leaders, Immigration Officers, media personnel, teachers, participants from youth groups and local militia officers aimed at raising awareness and improving knowledge among community members on the risks associated with Transnational Organized Crimes (TOC), irregular migration and the importance of providing assistance to vulnerable migrants.

IOM and the Tanzania Immigration Services Department (TISD) warned of the perils of irregular migration and stressed the importance of using usage the Early Warning Mechanisms to tackle it.

The activity is part of series of similar activities implemented at various border crossing points in the United Republic of Tanzania that aim at raising awareness among border communities under the scope of the Africa Regional Migration Program Phase X East and Horn of Africa funded by the United States Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (USA BPRM).  

In his opening remarks, the District Commissioner (DC) for Tarakea district, Dr Athumani Kihamia, commended initiatives taken by IOM and Immigration Services Department (ISD) in supporting the government to ensure that border communities are well informed on the risks associated with Transnational Organized Crimes (TOC). Mr. Kihamia also emphasized how communities can identify and provide assistance to vulnerable migrants particularly at Tarakea border point.

“By involving communities on borders activities such as combatting TOCs on the first hand creates community ownership of such activities especially in terms of establishing Information Sharing Network and on the other hand it fosters the Structure of Trust and Engagement between the community members and Immigration Officers” said Dr Qasim Sufi, the IOM Chief of Mission in the United Republic of Tanzania.

The campaign contributed to improved knowledge among community members and increased partnership. By the end of the workshop, workshop participants developed a 3-month plan committing to educate and raise awareness, strengthening communication and collaboration, and providing assistance to vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking (VoT).

For more information please contact:
Mr. David HOFMEIJER at dhofmeijer@iom.int or tel.: +255 699 674 975 or Ms. Lucy MSEKE at lmseke@iom.int or tel.: +255 712 943 637