Promoting safe, orderly and regular migration from and within the Horn of Africa

Context

Countries in the Horn of Africa region are origin, transit and destination countries for people who have left their homes. According to United Nations figures, there are some 5.7 million migrants in the region. The number of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people has risen to around 18 million (2023).

A large proportion are on the move within the region. Many travel irregularly, without a visa or valid papers – often out of necessity – and turn to people smugglers or risk becoming victims of human trafficking. Countries in the region lack the necessary infrastructures, legal frameworks and practical knowledge to make migration safe and legal.

Objective

National authorities and institutions are ensuring safe, legal and regular migration through a human rights-based approach.

Approach

The programme has three components:

1. It strengthens migration governance to create the legal foundations and framework conditions for regionally coordinated migration management. For example, it supports partners in developing migration laws and regulating work and residence rights.

2. It supports institutions that combat human trafficking and people smuggling. This includes organising training for state and civil society actors such as police and human rights officers. The programme trains them to investigate and prosecute human trafficking, and to refer victims to social support services.

3. It protects victims of human trafficking and migrants by strengthening civil society organisations that offer services such as accommodation, health care and legal advice.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH coordinates the programme’s implementation together with the British Council, CIVIPOL, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Last updated: January 2025