October 2007
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
   

IOM's role in the Refugees Processing

Ms. Sauerbrey with IOM Ankara colleagues

Assistant Secretary for PRM, Ellen Sauerbrey, visited IOM Ankara on Aug. 24, 2007; she met with IOM COM as well Operations staff.  The main topic on the meeting agenda was to discuss IOM role in the refugees processing in general with a specific focus on Iraqi refugees in Turkey. COM has briefed Ms. Sauerbrey on current state of affairs with regards to the USRP and more generally resettlement operation from Turkey. Ms. Sauerbrey reported that the next year figure are substantially on the rise especially regarding the Iraqi refugees; the overall caseload ex Iraq will get up to about 17,000 refugees; in view of that Syria is experiencing delays in starting and (even with some improvement) it is expected to be so for some time ahead. Amman will be taking a more robust share of it but also IOM's quota from Turkey could probably triple from this year. Ms. Sauerbrey also confirmed that this will not go to detriment of the current caseload of Iranian and other nationalities.

2006 Report on Combating Human Trafficking in Turkey

The Report on Combating Human Trafficking in Turkey for the year 2006 which has been recognized as a “National Report” through the contribution of all institutions in Turkey, describes the progress achieved in the field of combating human trafficking under the titles of prevention, protection and prosecution. Report also provides comprehensive information regarding the legal and administrative measures taken in the field of combating human trafficking in Turkey and includes statistical data for the year 2006. Printing of the Report was supported and funded by the Norwegian Government, Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Turkish Government, under the project “Local Action and Direct Assistance in Combating Human Trafficking” implemented by the Mission.

Black Sea Consultative Process on Migration Management Project

The project titled “Black Sea Consultative Process on Migration Management” aims to contribute to effective migration management in the Black Sea region as well as combating irregular migration, through strengthened regional cooperation and capacity building of relevant authorities of the twelve member states of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) which includes Turkey as well. IOM, in close cooperation with the BSEC and its Working Group on Combating Crime (and Particularly Its Organized Forms) will compile and produce national Migration Profiles for all participating countries. IOM mission to Turkey is also one of the outstanding partners who will be contributing through the implementation of the project. The meeting titled “Meeting of the BSEC Working Group on Cooperation in Combating Crime, in Particular in its Organized Forms, with the Participation of the Liaison Officers on Combating Crime” and conducted on 17-18 September 2007 has been the initiative step forward in line with the ongoing cooperation between IOM and BSEC.

Capacity Building Workshop for the Bar Association

IOM will deliver training on provision of legal assistance to trafficked individuals and advocacy for their rights in the court on 10-11th of November. The training will be conducted for the lawyers of newly established human trafficking group within the Bar Association. The training is one of the activities under SIDA Regional Project designed to reinforce the results of previous actions and to strengthen national and regional ownership and capability of relevant governmental and nongovernmental actors to more effectively combat the phenomenon of trafficking in human beings.  At least, five regional Bar Associations will be identified and the lawyers will be attending to the training.

Technical Cooperation in Migration Has Been Continuing

Third workshop of Technical Cooperation in Migration (TCM) Project which focuses on ‘Expulsion, Readmission and Voluntary Return’ will be conducted on 24-25 October 2007. The workshop will be implemented in the same venue as before, Büyükhanlý Park Hotel with the valuable participations of the ministries and experts from the fields. The preparations of the second phase of the Technical Cooperation in Migration Project in coordination with Ministry of Interior, Department of Foreigners, Border and Asylum, is continuing and most probably IOM will apply for the second phase to UK Embassy in 2007. Second phase of the project focuses on furthering the implementation of the National Action Plan through capacity building dissemination and awareness-raising activities. This project implies activities such as workshops, discussion sections in the fields and study visits to view the best practices.

Workshop on Combating Trafficking in Persons-Identification of Trafficked Persons

The first joint workshop with the Department of Foreigners, Borders and Asylum of the General Directorate of Security, in cooperation with partner NGO's; Human Resources Development Foundation and Women Solidarity Foundation, was conducted in Antalya on the 9th and 10th of July. Police officers from hot spots and borders of Turkey, participated and gave valuable input to the training. The aim of the workshop was to increase the identification and assistance to trafficked persons with international standards. The importance of the workshop had been emphasized in the opening speeches of the Head of Department of Foreigners, Borders and Asylum Affairs, Mr. Mehmet Terzioðf1 lu as well as the IOMpart of combating trafficking programs, the training reinforced the foundation of dignified and human rights based approach to and identification of any potential or actual victims of trafficking.


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