At the end of the mission in Niger, the IOM Head of Mission, Ms Barbara Riks, was elevated last night to the rank of knight in the Niger order of merit. It was the Minister Delegate to the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr. Youssouf Mohamed Elmouctar, who presented this distinction in the presence of government members, ambassadors and representatives of international organizations in Niger.
On that occasion, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation recalled the efforts of the IOM Head of Mission to help the most vulnerable migrants and displaced populations as well as host communities since his inauguration in July. 2019 in Niger. “During your stay, under your guidance, your institution also played a leading role in strengthening the capabilities of the IOM Niger, which has notably resulted in a fivefold increase in the annual budget of $ 68 million since 2019. , as well as the increase in the number of employees from around 500 in 2019 to 718 today, of which 88% are Nigerien. In addition to the main office in Niamey, IOM now has eight secondary offices in the regions, including seven centers transit for stranded and vulnerable migrants, mainly in the Agadez region ”, he stressed.
In addition, he explained that in the context of supporting government actions in managing migration flows, IOM has worked closely with various ministries and government agencies, the United Nations system and other partners, to achieve excellent results in the areas. governance of migration, mobility, building resilience in regions affected by conflicts and migration. “Thanks to your determination, the IOM has contributed to the creation of the” Yaware “Multifunctional Center, which plays a fundamental role in the prevention of risks and disasters, with a capacity of 5,400 people per year, having already, in 2019, supported the creation of the first Center for victims of trafficking in Zinder, where it jointly developed with UNICEF standard operating procedures for the care of unaccompanied migrant minors “, indicated the Minister Delegate to the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
For her part, IOM Niger Head of Mission, Ms Barbara Riks, was delighted to accept this mark of distinction on behalf of the entire IOM Niger team and all 736 personnel throughout Niger. “I can testify to the incredible love and pride that Nigerians have for their country and their culture. I had the opportunity to travel to all corners of the country, from the urban areas of Niamey to the more remote villages of the desert. Wherever I have been, I have met Nigeriens who are passionate about contributing to the development of their communities, “he said.” Over the past three years as the head of the IOM mission in Niger, my team and I have worked tirelessly to contribute to the government’s efforts in management of migration challenges, “said Barbara Riks.
By Yacine Hassane (onep)
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