IOM Dominica Commemorates International Migrants Day with IMD Mixer, Launch of Routes and Roots Magazine, and Highlights Key Partnerships

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica is proud to join the global community in celebrating International Migrants Day (IMD) on December 18, 2024, under the theme “Every Step." This year’s theme underscores the importance of safe and regular migration pathways, challenging the negative narratives surrounding migration and celebrating migrants while fostering inclusive policies that benefit individuals and communities alike.

In commemoration of this day, IOM Dominica will host an IMD Mixer, a networking event bringing together government officials, private sector stakeholders, and civil society partners. The event, to be held at the Fort Young Hotel, will provide a platform for dialogue on migration governance and celebrate the achievements of Dominica in enhancing its capacity to manage labour migration effectively.

Natasha Greaves, Head of Office for IOM Dominica, expressed pride in the organization’s partnerships and the progress made in migration governance:

“International Migrants Day is a time to celebrate the contributions of migrants and to reaffirm our commitment to their rights and inclusion. I am especially proud of the strong partnerships and collaborations IOM Dominica has fostered with government ministries, local organizations, and international allies. These partnerships have been instrumental in driving impactful change and strengthening Dominica’s migration systems. On December 18 we will launch our first magazine, Routes and Roots which details the incredible partnerships we’ve built and the meaningful stories of resilience we have captured and communities and people that inspire our work. IOM Dominica remains committed to strengthening migration systems that benefit everyone.”

Dominica recently demonstrated its commitment to strengthening labour migration management with the successful completion of a three-day workshop titled Building Capacity for Effective Labour Migration Management and a two-day Essentials of Migration Data Training (EMDT). Organized by IOM, both events brought together representatives from key government ministries and departments; Building Capacity for Effective Labour Migration Management equipped them with tools and knowledge to enhance policymaking, address challenges such as discrimination and xenophobia, improve migrant integration, while EMDT provided an understanding of the key concepts in migration data and statistics, inform about potential strategies for obtaining data and how to identify the strengths and limitations of available data at the different stages of the data life cycle from data planning, to collection, to management, to analysis, and finally, dissemination.

“The recent workshop and training exemplify the power of collaboration in addressing migration challenges and seizing opportunities for growth,” noted Ms. Greaves.

“By working together, we are building stronger systems and ensuring that migration contributes positively to Dominica’s development.”

Both events focused on aligning national practices with international standards while addressing regional dynamics. Participants explored strategies to make migration processes more inclusive and efficient, receiving insights into data-driven decision-making, policy formulation, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration.

The IMD Mixer will continue to build on these achievements by providing a space for dialogue, reflection, and forward planning. The event will celebrate the partnerships that have strengthened migration management in Dominica and showcase IOM’s ongoing commitment to promoting safe and orderly migration.

“As we commemorate International Migrants Day today, we extend our gratitude to all our partners who have supported our initiatives throughout the year,” added Ms. Greaves. “Together, we are creating a future where migration is celebrated as a driver of development and inclusion - one step at a time.”