DSC_0517MARRI Regional Forum annual session has been held in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia on June 27th 2017. The event marked the end of Serbian yearlong Presidency-in-Office over the regional initiative and the handover of management to the Republic of Albania. Day before, MARRI Regional Committee held its regular session in order to finalize documents and recommendations to be adopted by the Forum.

The Chairman of the Forum, DPM and Interior Minister of Serbia Nebojsa Stefanovic gave an overview of the regional migration context and stressed the need for joint efforts of MARRI Participants as well as stronger partnership with EU. In his welcoming address he also focused on irregular migration, THB and protection on migrants rights as common priority for the region.

The Committee and Forum members prized the results of the Serbian Presidency in particular efforts related to reform process and number of project activities implemented. The Forum also decided to endorse the recommendation of Committee to establish Working Group that will produce new regulatory framework of the Initiative aimed at upgrading its efficiency and effectiveness.

IOM Regional Program Manager Donatella Bradic has presented MARRI Center Gap Analysis, the document that has been as a part of the technical assistance to MARRI reform, provided by IPA II funded regional project Support to Protection Sensitive Migration Management in Western Balkans and Turkey. Gap Analysis produced by IOM, UNHCR, EC, Frontex and EASO has been assessed as valuable and comprehensive platform for further MARRI development. It has been also ascertained that it provides clear recommendations for reform follow up and sustainable options for MARRI role in the regional context.

Forum adopted Serbia Annual Report on MARRI Activities for June 2016-June 2017, Annual Financial Report for 2016, Annual Program of Activities and Priorities of the next Presidency. Belgrade Declaration that has been adopted at the very end of Forum session reflects political commitments and achievements of MARRI Participants in the format of this regional initiative.

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MARRI Regional Committee and MARRI Forum meeting in Belgrade, Serbia