The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a new Migration Response Centre (MRC) in Burao, a key town in Somaliland, the self-declared autonomous region of Somalia. This new centre is expected to provide vital protection and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants passing through the area.
According to IOM, the Burao MRC is part of a broader strategy to improve the support available to migrants moving along key transit routes in East Africa. It will act as a safe hub offering life-saving services such as emergency shelter, healthcare, mental health support, and voluntary return options for those who wish to go back to their home countries.
Prestage Murima, IOM’s deputy chief of mission in Somalia, emphasized the importance of this development. He noted that the centre is a clear sign of IOM’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of migrants who face hardship while on the move. “By strengthening protection mechanisms and providing lifesaving services, we aim to ensure that no migrant is left behind,” he said.
The Burao centre adds to a growing network of similar facilities established by IOM in strategic migration corridors across the Horn of Africa. These centres are designed to assist not only migrants in transit but also those who find themselves stranded without support.
Migrants using the centre will benefit from several services, including medical treatment, psychosocial counseling, and the distribution of essential non-food items. The centre will also focus on raising awareness among migrants about their rights and the risks of irregular migration.
IOM’s Migrant Protection Programme, which manages this network of centres in Somaliland and surrounding areas, works closely with local government authorities and international donors to strengthen access to these crucial services.
The launch of the Burao MRC reflects an increasing global concern for the safety and dignity of migrants, particularly in regions facing instability and limited access to aid.