The Establishment of a Regional Migration Observatory for West Africa

The Dakar Declaration made special note of the need for enhancing the capabilities of concerned countries to monitor migration and to engage in targeted research and training actions on a regional as well as a national basis. In response, IOM, in collaboration with the noted benefiting countries, identified as a priority the establishment of a regional Observatory for Migration, to be based in Dakar.

The Observatory has monitored and reported on migration trends, conducted targeted research and provided regional training and dialogue building functions. The actions of the Observatory have contributed to the goals of the Migration in Development for Africa (MIDA) programme, by targeting research and training activities to support MIDA initiatives in the region.

The contribution from the 1035 Facility, which represents approximately 30 per cent of the first year structural budget, provided support for the set-up costs of the Observatory - establishing premises, engaging initial staff and starting pilot activities.