Technical experts and policymakers from across Southern Africa have convened under the Migration Dialogue for Southern Africa to align regional migration strategies with global and continental frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Global Compact for Migration, and the SADC Migration Policy Framework.
The meeting, held ahead of the MIDSA ministerial conference, brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, and development partners to discuss coordinated responses to migration challenges affecting millions across the region.
In a statement, the International Organization for Migration Zimbabwe said the technical sessions are vital for shaping regional frameworks that make migration “safe, orderly, and beneficial for all.”
“Migration affects us all, whether for work, education, or escaping disasters,” IOM Zimbabwe noted, adding that MIDSA serves as a platform where SADC member states unite “to protect rights, improve borders, create opportunities, and make migration work for everyone.”
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The discussions also placed strong emphasis on the protection of children on the move. During a plenary session, UNICEF Regional Advisor for Child Protection Nankali Maksud highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant children, including lack of documentation, risk of detention, and limited access to essential services.
“Legal frameworks are the backbone of effective child protection systems,” Maksud said, stressing the importance of harmonizing laws and policies across the region to safeguard children affected by migration.
The session — attended by delegates from IOM East and Horn of Africa, UNICEF, and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade — also explored practical ways to strengthen cross-border cooperation and ensure that migrant children have access to education, healthcare, and protection.
Outcomes from the technical discussions are expected to inform the ministerial segment of MIDSA, where SADC ministers will endorse regional action plans aimed at improving migration governance and protecting vulnerable populations, including women and children.
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