Kathmandu – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Nepal, in partnerships with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Population Studies (CDPS) and the National Planning Commission, hosted on 25 February the closing ceremony for the second edition of the Migration School.  

During the 2-week initiative, various topics, including but not restricted to human trafficking, internal migration within Nepal and the intricate intersections of migration with gender, climate change and disasters, were addressed by national and international experts, along with IOM staff worldwide. The module strengthened the students’ knowledge on migration, equipping them with the proper tools to address pertinent challenges of human mobility in a sound manner. Delving into international labour migration, the lessons also placed the emphasis on the pivotal role of remittances in bolstering the Nepalese economy. 

Attending the closing ceremony, the students received their graduation certificate from Mr Prasad Bhandari, the Secretary of MoLESS, representatives of Tribhuvan University, as well as Ms Helene Fors, IOM Nepal’s Chief of Mission, amongst others. 

“Given Nepal’s extensive history of migration, the Migration School contributes to evidence-based policy making,” said Mr Bhandari. 

Emphasizing how the students’ presentations were a great learning opportunity for her, Ms Fors indicated that “I was impressed by the dedication in understanding the complexities of migration. These 14 days of Migration School have equipped the students with the tools needed to address the challenges and opportunities posed by migration, which is particularly crucial for a country where 56% of households benefit from migrant remittances.” 

During the ceremony, the students were divided into four groups, holding engaging presentations on a wide range of topics. The covered themes included migration patterns and trends in Nepal, students’ motivations to migrate abroad and the approaches by the Government of Nepal to avoid brain drain, labour migration and employment rights, as well as climate change and displacement. 

The Migration School is a national initiative in Nepal financially supported by the IOM Development Fund. IOM Nepal is planning the organisation of its third edition.  

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For media inquiries please contact: Prajwal Sharma: psharma@iom.int