Bodmando Consulting Group

Migration

Technical Areas

Migration

Migration has always been a fundamental part of human history, driven by a complex interplay of social, economic, environmental, and political factors. People migrate in search of safety, opportunity, dignity, and better living conditions. In recent decades, the scope and scale of migration have grown significantly due to globalization, protracted conflicts, environmental degradation, and climate change. While migration can foster development and cultural exchange, it also presents challenges such as xenophobia, irregular migration routes, and policy gaps, particularly in host countries with limited capacities.

Technical Areas

Global and Regional Contexts

  • Global: According to the IOM World Migration Report 2022, the number of international migrants has reached 281 million, comprising 3.6% of the global population. The majority move for work, education, or family reunification, while millions are forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or disasters.
  • Africa: Intra-African migration is widespread, driven by economic disparities, environmental stress, and instability. Countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya host large refugee populations, while also seeing their own citizens migrate abroad.
  • MENA: Protracted crises in Syria, Yemen, and Libya have led to high levels of displacement. Host countries like Jordan and Lebanon face enormous strain, while migrants often encounter limited rights and harsh living conditions.
  • Europe: Europe remains a major destination for both voluntary and forced migrants. However, increasing anti-immigration sentiment, complex asylum processes, and border enforcement mechanisms have made access and integration more difficult for many.

Ban Ki-moon, Former UN Secretary-General

Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family

Technical Areas

Challenges and Opportunities

Migration presents a mix of policy, legal, and operational challenges, including:

  • Protection gaps for migrants in transit and destination countries.
  • Gender-specific vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls on the move.
  • Limited integration frameworks and xenophobic attitudes in host societies.
  • Insufficient disaggregated data to inform migration policy.

However, there are also major opportunities to harness migration for development. When supported by inclusive policies and regional collaboration, migration can contribute to labor markets, innovation, and intercultural exchange. Remittances remain a critical economic lifeline, especially for developing countries.

Technical Areas

Recommendations

  • Strengthen migration governance by adopting rights-based policies that address root causes and promote safe, orderly, and regular migration.

  • Support refugee- and migrant-led initiatives that offer context-appropriate and community-based solutions.

  • Invest in improved data collection and research to inform evidence-based policies and program interventions.

  • Enhance collaboration among humanitarian, development, and government actors to ensure comprehensive and coordinated migration responses.

  • Integrate gender-sensitive and child protection approaches into all migration-related programming, especially for vulnerable populations.

  • Promote social cohesion through anti-xenophobia campaigns and inclusive community engagement.

  • Build the capacity of national institutions and local actors to sustainably manage migration and support displaced populations.

Technical Areas

What Bodmando Does

At Bodmando, we support organizations, governments, and communities to respond effectively to migration dynamics:

  • We partner with refugee-led and community-based organizations to identify needs and co-develop localized solutions.
  • We conduct research and context assessments to inform migration programming and policy.
  • We support the design and evaluation of migration-sensitive social protection and livelihood initiatives.
  • We facilitate capacity building for frontline workers, civil society, and institutions engaged in migration governance.
  • We provide tools and technical guidance to improve data collection, monitoring, and accountability for migration-related interventions.

Technical Areas

References

  • International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2022). World Migration Report 2022. Retrieved from https://www.iom.int
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2023). Global Trends: Forced Displacement. Retrieved from https://www.unhcr.org
  • African Union. (2020). Migration Policy Framework for Africa. Retrieved from https://au.int
  • Mixed Migration Centre. (2023). Quarterly Mixed Migration Updates. Retrieved from https://mixedmigration.org

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