WHAT: Virtual Launch of the Africa Migration Report

WHEN: Thursday, October 15, 2020
TIME: 13:00 hrs EAT (GMT+3)

WHO: The Virtual Conference is organized by the Department of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission (AUC). The launch will be co-chaired by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

WHY: The report will be the very first edition of an African specific migration report. This first publication seeks to challenge the dominant narrative about migration on the continent, which is usually flawed and misconstrued. Most of the time, the rationale on migratory flows in Africa are perceived to be flowing out of the continent, and often supported by harrowing images of migrants attempting to use the Mediterranean route.

The first edition from the Africa Migration Report captures the prevailing complexities of human mobility and migration from, to and within Africa. It unpacks common accepted understandings and shares the message that migration in Africa is more complex and less homogeneous than perceived. The first ever Africa Migration Report as an opportunity to:

 Clarify the status and dynamics of migration in Africa;
 Share AUC’s initiatives to respond to current migration challenges in Africa
 Advocate for key policy issues, and
 Define perspectives for harnessing migration and development in Africa.

Notes to the Editor:
The Africa Migration Report is a joint initiative between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Evidence however, points to the fact that 80% of African migration occurs intra-continentally and is more complex and more homogeneous than is often perceived. As the first of its kind, the Africa Migration Report is intended to set the tone on the true narrative of migration within, into and from the continent. As a result, one of the objectives of the report is to position and communicate the real landscape of migration on the continent, by addressing the facts on the ground to counter misinformed perceptions. To this effect, this first edition is positioned to reorient the migration narrative in a positive light and encourage new perspectives on migration in the continent, its demands and the possible responses to the current context.

Journalists are invited to connect and take part in the virtual launch scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2020, at 13.00 hrs. East Africa Time.

Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEkceCsqT4pHtbQmTMreRIUlyW_uaV25DRc.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the online meeting.

The Draft Programme is attached.

For further media inquiries, please contact:
1. Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head of Information Division | Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | Mobile: +251911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Directorate of Information and Communications (DIC) | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org