Reintegration good practices #5 - Establishing a permanent whole-of-government dialogue to foster ownership and sustainability of reintegration mechanisms in Cameroon

The implementation of the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Cameroon was a unique opportunity to strengthen dialogue and collaboration between IOM and the Government of Cameroon on irregular migration and reintegration.

Through the establishment and key role of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) as well as the various Thematic Working Groups (TWGs), reintegration stakeholders regularly meet and coordinate with each other, bringing in the government as an active partner of the EU-IOM Joint Initiative, not only at the strategic level, but also in field operations. This made it possible to improve returning migrant assistance, including socio-economic support, job counselling and support for migrants in vulnerable situations.

The PSC provides a framework for discussions on practical ways of strengthening accountability of actors, transferring skills between actors and implementing activities, while the established TWGs (including one on Reintegration) stand for more operational forums for exchange and discussion to enhance collaboration between IOM and the other actors involved in these different areas of activities. These TWGs support the identification and creation of synergies and facilitate the provision of expertise and programmes by government technical partners for the benefit of the returning migrants.