Sub-regional consultative event on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in the Western Balkans was organized during the month of June in Sarajevo, by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The event was an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and consultative process in this sub-region, with the aim of facilitating the identification of messages which countries could present at the Thematic sessions within GCM, prior to the meeting for assessing the achievements ending with December 2016.

The event had a forum function, which provided participants with an opportunity to comment on the key topics and issues GCM could respond to, thus each panel discussion focused on the ways in which GCM could eliminate shortcomings in the policies and implementation within a recognized topic, and use advantages of good governance within each of them – Engaging diaspora in development – the role and contribution of migrant communities within all the pillars of sustainable development in the Western Balkans, Large scale movements in times of crisis – incorporating lessons learned from European and Mediterranean migrant and refugee crisis, Migrant vulnerability and protection – an approach based on solutions to reduce vulnerability, better protection and empowerment of migrants and Regional labor mobility – challenges and opportunities.

Within the third panel Migrant vulnerability and protection – an approach based on solutions to reduce vulnerability, better protection and empowerment of migrants, moderated by Peter Van der Auweraert,  IOM Sub-regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans, representative of NGO Atina shared the expertise of the organization in working with particularly vulnerable categories – victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking, and good practices and efficiencies of existing public policies in response to the needs of refugees and migrants that will reduce vulnerability and risks, and allow them access to all the rights.

After the event, a final report has been prepared with the list of outlined recommendations which will be provided to governments in order to better plan their support to GCM, as envisaged by the Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations.