Kyiv — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Ukraine’s Ministry of the Interior (MoI) signed a Cooperation Agreement. The document was signed by IOM’s Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels and the Minister of the Interior of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko.

IOM has been providing multifaceted support for migration-related work under the Ministry of the Interior and its agencies, including the State Migration Service, State Border Guard Service and the National Police of Ukraine.

“The Ministry of the Interior is grateful to IOM for all the support it has been providing since the start of the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an in particular for countering the consequences of the Kakhovka dam exploiion,” said Ihor Klymenko.

“IOM will keep supporting Ukraine in countering all the challenges related to the war and when the war is over,” emphasized Ugochi Daniels.

Through their Cooperation Agreement, IOM and MoI are committed to refining policies and administrative procedures related to migration, citizenship, and asylum. In tandem, there is a focus on bolstering integrated border management and enhancing the administrative frameworks for readmission. A significant emphasis will also be placed on combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

As both organizations move forward, they recognize the importance of augmenting national capabilities for a more efficient approach to migration governance and border oversight. Concurrently, research initiatives will be undertaken, concentrating on comprehensive studies of cross-border migration dynamics as well as delving into the intricacies of internal migration patterns and displacement phenomena.

Ensuring the safety and rights of migrants remains paramount. Both IOM and MoI are steadfast in their resolve to safeguard the rights of every migrant and mobile population. A heightened attention will be given to the protection of particularly vulnerable groups, including but not limited to, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence.

IOM and the Ministry of the Interior will continue to work together to support the social adaptation and integration of war veterans, including but not limited to employees of the authorities of the MoI system. The parties also aim to boost cooperation for advancement of digitalization of migration and border management processes and practices including through the responsible use of biometrics and in line with international standards and good practices. The latter envisages joint effort for strengthening data security and cybersecurity.