West and Central Africa: Shedding Light on Protection Challenges and Risks
IOM supports States in their efforts to respect, protect and fulfill the rights of all migrants, in cooperation with a wide range of governments and civil society stakeholders.
West and Central Africa (WCA) is a region defined by high mobility and complex migration dynamics. Migration is deeply ingrained in the cultural and sociological fabric of the region, with most mobility occurring within its borders.
In 2023, an estimated 93% of migration flows were intra-regional, highlighting the predominance of internal migration. Despite this, migration routes often shift due to changes in legislation, policies, and controls. Migrants traveling toward North Africa or Europe typically follow three main routes: the Western African, Western Mediterranean, and Central Mediterranean routes.
While navigating these paths, migrants face numerous challenges, exposing them to risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Their journeys are further exacerbated by food insecurity, limited access to basic services, and heightened vulnerability to diseases - all of which have severe implications for their physical and mental health.
To bring attention to these perilous journeys, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has developed a compelling video that explores the protection risks migrants face along these routes and the support that IOM provides in collaboration with duty bearers. The video delves into the harsh realities they endure, emphasizing the urgent need for action and resources to address vulnerabilities and reduce protection risks.
Amid these challenges, IOM support states to uphold their duty to protect and promote the rights of migrants. However, the needs remain vast and multifaceted, demanding substantial resources to ensure adequate protection at every stage of migration.
This video is part of the protection activities spearheaded by IOM’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa, with support from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation.
By shedding light on the realities of migration in WCA, IOM aims to galvanize support and foster meaningful interventions that prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of migrants throughout their journeys.
For more information, please contact iomrodakarmedia@iom.int.