Highlights
In Greece, IOM continues to be present on the islands of Lesvos, Samos, Kos and Crete and works closely with authorities (Frontex, the HCG, and the First Reception Service) to identify vulnerable migrants and refugees, including unaccompanied and/or separated children, the elderly, and those with medical needs.
On 2 February IOM assisted 174 Malian nationals stranded in Libya to return home. This was the fifth charter of a series of repatriation flights that IOM is organizing and in the coming months, additional flights are planned to Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
To support the government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia adjust their assistance to cope with winter conditions, IOM has helped to equip eight out of 26 sleeping containers in the Gevgelija reception centre with beds, linens, pillow, and blankets. Additionally, IOM has purchased and donated two atomizers to assist with disinfection and improve the overall hygiene of the reception centre.
In collaboration with two NGOS, the Women and Health Alliance International and Zavod Krog, IOM is providing medical assistance to migrants and refugees at the entry point in Dobova, Slovenia.
Between 26 January and 9 February, IOM provided direct assistance to 447 rescued migrants and refugees in Kucukkuyu, Turkey who were from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Myanmar.
From 29-30 January, IOM coordinated a workshop in Dosso, Niger to begin the revision process for a treaty to combat human trafficking. The dialogue continues with a small committee which includes relevant local authorities and IOM to examine a prototype referral mechanism and standard operating procedures to protect victims of trafficking.