Thursday 16/October/2025 – 08:26 PM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched a joint regional program entitled the Regional Development and Protection Program for North Africa (RDPP NA), which aims to improve the conditions of refugees and migrants and enhance the stability of host communities, in light of the continuing increasing challenges that the North African region is witnessing as a result of political unrest and social and economic disparities.
The program, which is supported and funded by the European Union through a number of its financial mechanisms, including the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (FAMI) and the European Trust Fund for Africa (EU TF), seeks to provide an integrated humanitarian and development response. Those in charge of the program indicated that it is not only limited to providing humanitarian support, but also includes developing effective protection systems in North African countries, and enabling communities to withstand the successive changes taking place in the region.
It is worth noting that North African countries have today become a region where migrants’ paths intersect, as they simultaneously represent countries of origin, transit, and final destination.
This complex situation has resulted in critical humanitarian situations, especially with many migrants and refugees exposed to the risks of violations, violence and exploitation.
Hence, the program comes as a multi-dimensional response aimed at protecting these individuals and providing realistic alternatives to irregular migration.
The strategy adopted by the program focuses on strengthening the capabilities of national systems to deal with asylum and migration issues in a more humane and efficient manner, in addition to raising the level of awareness of the dangers of illegal migration among local communities and potential migrants, through media and educational campaigns.
In parallel, the program works to improve economic and social development opportunities for both immigrants and host communities, by providing more comprehensive and equitable services, and building bridges of trust and understanding between different groups, with the aim of enhancing social cohesion and reducing tensions that may arise due to disparities or lack of resources.
Noting that Italy is leading this program as the leading country within the coalition of European contributing countries, it has contributed to financing its first phase along with Norway and the Czech Republic. This multilateral partnership is an effective model of regional cooperation that seeks to achieve long-term goals in the field of protection and sustainable development.
The IOM official stressed that the program constitutes a practical step towards building a safer and more dignified future for migrants and refugees, and contributes to addressing the root causes of forced migration by providing opportunities, enhancing the sense of belonging and social justice, and opening the way for comprehensive policies that respect human rights and take into account the requirements of development.
Note that this program also includes the production of visual materials for awareness-raising under the title of bridging the protection gap, which explains in a simplified way how a balance can be created between humanitarian aspects and realistic policies in managing the migration file in North Africa.
