Redefining Migration Management in the Horn of Africa
Explore how the BMM program uses a human rights-based approach to strengthen governance, combat trafficking, and protect vulnerable migrants across the region.
Best quote from Redefining Migration Management in the Horn of Africa
It’s a complete shift from punishing the migrant to prosecuting the criminal while protecting the person, moving away from emergency mode and into a human rights-based governance mode.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
What is the German Development Cooperation doing for Better Migration Management in the horn of Africa?
Frequently Asked Questions
The BMM program is a regional initiative designed to improve migration management in the Horn of Africa using a human rights-based approach. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union, with the German development agency GIZ leading the implementation. The program operates across several countries, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda, to move migration from an "emergency mode" into a structured "governance mode."
The program utilizes a strategy referred to as the "Effective Institutions" pillar. Rather than focusing solely on border security, it provides specialized training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges to improve the investigation and prosecution of criminal networks. A key innovation is the use of Multi-Agency Task Forces and simulation-based training, which helps officials coordinate effectively. This approach prioritizes "safety first, then justice," ensuring that victims are referred to protection services rather than being treated as criminals.
Civil society organizations act as the "boots on the ground" for the program’s protection pillar. Through networks like the East and Horn of Africa Anti-Trafficking Network (EHAAT), over 100 CSOs provide essential services such as legal aid, medical care, and psychosocial support to stranded migrants and trafficking survivors. They also participate in National Referral Mechanisms, which are formal protocols that allow state actors like the police to hand over rescued individuals to CSOs for specialized care and safe housing.
Technology is used to empower migrants with information and improve border efficiency. One major tool is the Digital Service Providers Directory, an online platform available in multiple languages that allows migrants to find legal aid, healthcare, and support services via their phones 24/7. Additionally, the program supports the implementation of MIDAS (Migration Information and Data Analysis System) at border posts to help verify documents and catch fraudulent papers, encouraging travelers to use official, documented routes rather than dangerous unofficial crossings.
Through the Regional Migration Fund (RMF), the program invests in "bricks and mortar" projects like healthcare facilities, water systems, and markets in remote border areas such as Moyale. This infrastructure is designed to serve both migrants and the local host communities. By improving basic services for everyone in these neglected regions, the program aims to reduce social tension and foster cohesion, turning border areas into places of economic opportunity rather than just barriers.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
