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About
ABOUTIn 2014, the Governments of the Philippines and the United States launched the MICIC Initiative to address the impact of crises conflicts and natural disasters on migrants.
MICIC
MICIC
IOM Global
IOM Global
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Our Work
Our WorkThe International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports its counterparts and partners in the implementation of the MICIC Guidelines through a comprehensive offer of capacity building tools and services.
Capacity Building
Capacity Building
- Where We Work
- Data and Resources
- Take Action
- 2030 Agenda
Type of practice: Assistance programs
Country: Australia, Lebanon
Name of Stakeholder: Government of Australia
Type of Stakeholder Implementing the Practice: State of Origin
Type of crisis: Conflict
Crisis phase: Emergency Response
Description
Operation Ramp is the name given to an Australian Defense Force (ADF) operation to support the evacuation of over 5,300 Australians and over 1,300 foreign nationals from the Lebanese ports of Beirut and Tyre during the 2006 Lebanon War. The evacuation was led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Australia charted 17 ships, 22 Australian aircraft and over 470 buses. Initial evacuations prioritized families with children and the handicapped who boarded a British warship already in the port of Beirut. A Task Force of 96 personnel was also deployed on 21 July 2006 that included: a command element; two evacuee processing teams; liaison officers; movement officers; health specialists from various units; linguists.
Related Links: Migrat Evacution during Lebanon Crisis
Guidelines/Thematic Areas
- Relocation and evacuation
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GUIDELINE 13: Relocate and evacuate migrants when needed
During some crises, stakeholders may be able to protect migrants where they are located in the host State. But this may not always be possible, especially in situations where the repercussions of a conflict or natural disaster envelop large geographic areas. Where protection cannot be provided locally, it may be necessary to relocate migrants to other parts of the host State or evacuate them to States of transit or the State of origin. Some migrants may make these journeys on their own. Many may rely on States, their employers, recruiters, or placement agencies, international organizations, civil society, and other migrants for support and assistance.
Evacuation is generally a last resort but absolutely essential if migrants cannot remain safely where they are and cannot be relocated safely to another part of the host State. Where comprehensive contingency plans and standing evacuation and relocation arrangements are not already in place, ad hoc arrangements may be needed to communicate evacuation information, determine eligibility for evacuation, establish modes of evacuation, and negotiate with States of transit and other actors. States, regardless of whether they are party to relevant international instruments, should implement specific safeguards to ensure individuals who face persecution, or, as appropriate, serious harm or other life-threatening situations in their States of origin or other States, including refugees, are protected against refoulement. Stateless persons may need specific assistance to take advantage of evacuation arrangements. Coordination between States and other stakeholders in carrying out evacuations can leverage resources, for example, to transport migrants to States of origin in the same region.
Sample Practices
- Evacuation of migrants to States of transit or States of origin with their informed consent.
- Establishment of criteria for eligibility for evacuation.
- Multi-stakeholder cooperation on evacuation.
- Evacuation for family units who have family members of different nationalities.
- Deploying personnel to consular posts to assist with evacuation.