By Contributor
Burao, Somaliland- The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) supported the Somaliland Ministry of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs (MoRHA) to officially inaugurate the Migration Response Centre (MRC) in Burao, marking a significant milestone in expanding the provision of essential protection services and support to migrants on the move in the region
As part of IOM’s Regional Migrant Response Plan for the Horn of Africa, Yemen and Southern Africa, the newly established MRC in Burao will serve as a critical hub for protection services and voluntary return support for migrants in transit, as well as those stranded along migration routes. Services provided at the centre will include emergency shelter, medical assistance to vulnerable migrants, Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) , Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, awareness raising, information sharing and distribution of non-food items.
The high-level opening ceremony was attended by the Somaliland Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, the Regional Governor of Togdheer and the Mayor of Burao District and IOM Deputy Chief of Mission.
Civil society organizations, as well as community and migrant representatives, also took part in the launch. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to enhancing migration management and ensuring the protection and well-being of migrants on the move.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Prestage, IOM Deputy Chief of Mission, highlighted the significance of the MRC, stating: “The establishment of the Burao MRC is a testament to the ongoing commitment of IOM and its partners to address the needs of vulnerable migrants. By strengthening protection mechanisms and providing lifesaving services, we aim to ensure that no migrant is left behind.”
New Migration Response Centre opens in Burao, Somaliland!
Thanks to support from @Sida and @iom_somalia , the centre will provide shelter, medical aid, psychosocial support & voluntary return assistance to vulnerable migrants.
🗞️https://t.co/xz5cBk8UND@SwedeninSomalia pic.twitter.com/Mb9ADX73GS— IOM Somalia (@iom_somalia) April 21, 2025
“This centre will play a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by migrants in transit, ensuring their rights are protected and that they receive the necessary support to make informed decisions about their future,” added the Somaliland Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Suleiman Dualleh Haji Jama, who commended the initiative and highlighted the government’s commitment to migration management and humanitarian assistance.
IOM Somalia’s Migrant Protection and Assistance Programme, which oversees the MRC network across Somaliland and the broader region, continues to work with government partners and donors to expand access to protection and assistance services for migrants.
Thanks to the support from SIDA, the Burao MRC joins a growing network of centres in strategic migration corridors, further strengthening regional coordination and response efforts.
