Joseph Agoada th October 26 , 2011 - Mixed Migration Paper

The combination of severe drought, soaring food prices and conflict in Somalia has resulted in a humanitarian crisis rarely seen in the Horn of Africa 1
Elhadj As Sy, UNICEF Global Emergency Coordinator for the Horn of Africa Crisis, October 20 2011
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The IOC defines mixed migration as complex population movements including refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants and other migrants . In conducting analysis into the intricacy and challenges of mixed migration, the Horn of Africa crisis offers a timely and relevant entry point. According to the October 17 report released by UNHCR, over 318,000 Somalis have migrated since January 1 , 2011 . If one were to survey the migrants on their reason for fleeing, the responses would reveal various overlapping motivations for migration. The statement by the UNICEF Global Emergency Coordinator for the Horn of Africa Crisis further reinforces the complex nature and scale of the mixed migration in Somalia, but it is through an analysis of the current situation in East Africa that we can find some underlying forces of mixed migration Conflict, which includes war, terrorism, genocide, and/or ethnic cleansing can directly motivate migration, but it also creates an environment of fear that constricts personal movement and therefore the ability for day to day business to be conducted within a country. In Somalia it is the Al-Shabaab group, an Islamic organization that controls much of southern Somalia, excluding the capital, Mogadishu which is creating conflict in the region . The presence of militarized groups limits the ability for aide distribution, hampers coordinated response from government, and creates a negative atmosphere for investment and business growth. While individuals may not flee because of conflict directly, the poverty it creates can motivate the migration. Movement due to unemployment and economic hardship is another force behind mixed migration. A 2007 Millennium Development Goals Report on Somalia put the unemployment rate at over 47% . Economic adversity motivates migration, but what are the factors causing the economic situation? The desertification of Somalia due to a changing climate is an underlying force; it disrupts the income of the agriculture sector which in turn drives up the price of food. As mentioned before, conflict is another factor in limiting economic
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http://www.unicef.org/esaro/HOA_3_month_2011_Report__Final.pdf IOM: Glossary on Migration, Geneva 2004 3 http://www.unhcr.org/4e8c56919.html 4 Council on Foreign Relations, August 2011 5 http://www.so.undp.org

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Joseph Agoada th October 26 , 2011 - Mixed Migration Paper

opportunity. Also, what are the ripple effects of economic hardship? It may cause able, unemployed population to engage in piracy or join groups such as Al Shabaab. The resulting increased conflict in the country then further disrupts economic growth and increases mixed migrations. Changing climate is a relatively new force in mixed migration, but its on the rise. According to the a 2009 Policy Paper on Mixed Migration by the Danish Refugee Council, Climate change is increasingly undermining livelihood opportunities for many people in the developing world as it may in the future affect access to and pressure on natural resources In Somalia dwindling rainfall has disrupted crop yields, dampening income and raising food prices. This clearly shows how climate change and economic hardship can be intertwined. As well, climate change can limit resources, which may cause not only economic hardship but also competition over resources leading to new types conflict and increased mixed migration. Through our analysis of the Somalia migration, conflict, economic hardship, and limited natural resources have proven to be three overlapping motivations, and these forces are also behind mixed migration in general. The complexity of mixed migration in a globalized world makes day to day operations more difficult for immigration officers. A major problem is that current immigration policy does not factor in new global realities and there seems to be total political paralysis in dealing with outdated policy on immigration. Legal gaps created by partisan politics leave immigration officials with inadequate tools to deal with mixed migration. Another challenge is irregular migration, which can be caused by numerous factors, including the inability to obtain proper documentation or a lack of financial resources needed to go through established migration channels. These migrants may turn to smugglers, and as a result immigration officials are forced into tough ethical decisions and must deal with criminal activity. Climate change adds another incredible complicating factor to the work of processing migrants. How do we define migrants that are moving due to the desertification of their farmland or rising sea levels in their community? A lack of international cooperation on how to mitigate and adapt to climate change further hinders the job of immigration officials. It is necessary to treat migrants according to their circumstances, further challenging the job of immigration officials. An individual may have different needs based on their age, gender, and religious/ethnic background. A woman with her child who has escaped the hardships in Somalia will need a different type of assistance then an unmarried 24 year old who worked as a day laborer before migrating. Also, the host
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http://flygtning.dk/fileadmin/uploads/pdf/Om_dfh_PDF/Det_mener_DFH/policy_on_mixed_migration.pdf

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Joseph Agoada th October 26 , 2011 - Mixed Migration Paper

country where the migrants are being placed may necessitate different processes and education for positive integration into a new community. This is especially true of the migrant going from a situation where they were part of the majority into a community where they will be a minority. Feelings of alienation are likely even with preparatory education, but treating a migrant based on their individuality and taking into consideration the cultural context of the host country is still of vital importance. In outlining possible legal and operational solutions to the current situation, a long term vision should first be set. This outcome should be new, pragmatic immigration policy which understands the realities of mixed migration and sets standards for dealing with increased migration that will stem from a changing climate. First, leadership and political will for change must be realized. Operationally, the first step would be for an organization such as UNHCR to conduct an analysis of the current governmental stakeholders, NGOs and other international organizations working in the field of migration. From the results of this baseline work, a balanced working committee with the best and brightest from these groups should be tasked with defining a clear and coordinated path towards new policy. Secondly, in order for this committee and others to make the most informed decisions, more data on the current migration situation is needed. According to the recently released policy paper by UNHCR, The very limited qualitative and quantitative data analysis ultimately results in inadequate protection responses vis-vis asylum seekers, refugees and persons with specific humanitarian needs. Innovative data collection strategies using new types of information and communication technologies will provide critical resources for informed decision making. Finally, in recognizing that the media plays a critical role in sensitizing the public and creating political will for change, a program to educate and inform journalists on the reality of mixed migration would help build the momentum toward progressive change. In conclusion, we must recognize that we are living in a new era of globalization, and unity, determination and cooperation will be needed to take on the challenges of mixed migration in the 21 century.
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TEN POINT PLAN OF ACTION FOR REFUGEE PROTECTION AND MIXED MIGRATION FOR COUNTRIES ALONG THE EASTERN AND SOUTH EASTERN BORDERS OF EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES 29 June 2009

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