I.O.M ASSISTS SAMOA IN SECURING ITS BORDERS
Photo: Government of Samoa
An initiative to strengthen Pacific Island Countries' capability for border control and response to infectious diseases has been started by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The project, on which IOM will collaborate closely with the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) and the governments of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, is being funded by the Japanese government with more than USD 6.9 million.
"A crucial element of national security is border control," said Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo, Chief Executive Officer, Samoa Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
"For Samoa, we are really thrilled to commence on this project, working together with the IOM to enhance our border management system. We are a partner, a country, not just a beneficiary, Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer, Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, remarked at the event's introduction.
"The Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) is located in Samoa, so we are certain that Samoa will be a hub for this initiative, said Keisuke Senta, the Japanese ambassador to Samoa, at the project's inauguration event. We are confident that the project will provide possibilities for border control personnel to collaborate and exchange ideas," stated Agafili.
In connection with the project, Samoa's IOM Country Office officially opens.In a press statement it mentioned that IOM is happy to inaugurate the Samoa Country office in order to better assist the Samoan government as well as Pacific regional organizations with offices there. IOM helps the nations in the Pacific area to contribute to improved governance, sustainable development, and resilience in the context of human mobility in the Blue Pacific.
"IOM is devoted to helping Pacific Island Countries build their capacity to combat infectious diseases and encourage safe and orderly migration in the area," said Jacqueline Weekers, IOM Chief of Mission in Australia and coordinator to New Zealand and the Pacific. She expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for sponsoring this project and for its continuous assistance to Pacific Island Countries.
"A positive probability of another pandemic dictates the need for a more proactive Pacific approach, not only to ensure mitigation of any future diseases, but also to dampen the potential negative economic fallout on the region," UNDP Resident Representative Jorn Sorensen said on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator.
Notably, the project also complies with the Blue Continent 2050 Strategy, which will help create a resilient Pacific region that promotes social inclusion, peace, harmony, security, and prosperity and guarantees the freedom, health, and productivity of all Pacific peoples.