Seoul — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in the Republic of Korea (ROK) successfully organized a training on “Humane and Gender-Inclusive Immigration and Border Management” for ASEAN countries from 10 to 12 October 2023 in Seoul.  

The event was attended by 24 immigration and border management officials from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. 

Initiated in 2022, IOM’s three-year Capacity Building on Humane and Gender Inclusive Immigration and Border Management in ASEAN project is funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to support capacity development of officials from selected ASEAN member states. Its principal objective is to ensure human rights of all persons on the move, including those who migrate through irregular routes and women and girls at international borders, are respected and protected. 

Building on the previous success of the Legal Identity training in 2022 by IOM experts from the International Border Management (IBM) Division, this year's programme began with a 2-day in-person session.  

Looking into human rights protection, relevant international legal frameworks and their application to immigration and border management, the participants delved into gendered aspects and vulnerabilities in migration, such as human trafficking and gender minorities. On the third day, participants visited the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) to gain insights into ROK's border control systems. KIS provided briefings on authentication and information analysis, as the participants observed a display of an automated immigration inspection system at Incheon International Airport. The focus of the visit was placed on improving border management decision-making process through mainstreaming gender, vulnerability and human rights. 

"My understanding of rights-based and gender-responsive approaches in border management was greatly enhanced through this training. It clarified the connection between international laws, standards of human rights protection and my daily work. I intend to directly apply the knowledge I have learned to my work, particularly in screening interviews and referral processes,” said a participant. Another attendee added, “the visit to Korea Immigration Service emphasized the significance of technology in modern immigration and border management systems. I aim to share these learnings with my team to enhance their capacity as well." 

IOM plays a pivotal role in advancing Global Compact for Migration (GCM) objectives with ASEAN states through inter-governmental capacity-building programmes. As a key resource facilitator, IOM works closely with governments to implement GCM principles, fostering a coordinated, rights-based approach to migration management for regular, orderly and safe migration within the ASEAN region. 

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For more information, please contact Eunice Jieun KIM, IOM Republic of Korea Mission, Tel.: +82 70 4820 0291, Email: jikim@iom.int.