Proposal for the development of an Inter-American Cooperation Network for Migration Special Committee on Migration Issues November 22, 2010

Mandates AG/RES (XL-O/10) MIGRANT POPULATIONS AND MIGRATION FLOWS IN THE AMERICAS 5. To reaffirm the importance of data and systems for accurate and timely information on migration to foster strengthening of institutional capacities, cooperation activities, and the exchange of best practices among states. 12. To urge the CEAM to continue its work as the current primary forum of the Organization for the exchange of information and best practices on migration issues.

The Inter-American Cooperation Network for Migration (RICOMI) The proposal advocates for the creation of a mechanism to exchange experiences and knowledge that, through the use of combined tools, aims to strengthen human and institutional capacities in order to develop public policies that respond to the challenges imposed by the dynamics of migration. In order to implement this proposal, the CEAM will rely on the support of the Technical Secretariat which will, through the lessons learned in the processes of constructing the Inter- American Network for Labour Administration (RIAL) and the Inter-American Network for Social Protection (RIPSO), undertake the construction and consolidation processes of this network. Inspired by the RIAL and the RIPSO, this network will build off of, and complement, the experiences of the former. The RICOMI will work in a coordinated manner with International Organizations, Non- Governmental Organizations and countries beyond the hemisphere, which will permit it to be efficient in the channelling of resources to the countries of the Americas. It will also count on the experiences of the states of the Americas for the development of various activities.

Main Objective To promote the establishment of cooperation mechanisms and the exchange of experiences and knowledge between institutions responsible for migration management thus permitting the advancement of more effective and efficient strategies and actions in public policy, understanding the fundamental role played by horizontal cooperation.

Specific Objectives Identify, systematize, and disseminate programs and strategies concerning public policy in the field of migration management. Foster the exchange of experiences and lessons learned that will permit the generation of a practical community of decision makers. Facilitate the communication between migration authorities, international and civil society organizations, and improve the coordination and cooperation between these organizations and cooperation agencies. Strengthen the capacities of those responsible for migration management, the formulation and development of public policies in order to identify their needs and formulate proposals to obtain technical and financial assistance.

Activities 1.Workshop “Learning from Experiences: Bilateral and Regional Cooperation for Migratory Policy and Management.” Workshop Objectives: Identify, systematize, and disseminate programs and strategies for public policies related to migration. Foster the exchange of experiences and lessons learned that will permit the generation of a practical community of decision makers. Facilitate the communication between migration authorities, international and civil society organizations, and improve the coordination and cooperation between these organizations and cooperation agencies. Strengthen the capacities of those responsible for migration management and the formulation and development of public policies in order to identify their needs and formulate proposals to obtain technical and financial assistance.

Activities 2. On-line Inventory of Migration Websites in the Americas The inventory aims: To be an informational tool that will enable Member States to analyze, compare, and identify mechanisms and areas of cooperation in themes related to migration management. To be a consultative and informational tool for migrants before and during the migratory process and/or during the return to their country of origin. To continue developing migratory information systems that strengthen the decision making process and promote the formulation of effective public policies.

Activities 3. High Level Meeting of Migration Authorities in the Americas Purpose: To establish a space for dialogue that will promote the technical cooperation between States and the strengthening of institutional alliances that will facilitate more efficient migration management, favouring democratic governance, the promotion of human rights and the security of migrants..

4. Facilitation, accompaniment, and follow-up of cooperation Work Method: Development of a Survey that captures the following information: Overview of practices and/or strategies that the country considers to have been successful; Information concerning bilateral cooperation practices. How / when were they executed? What were the results? The development of a database to consolidate information (supply and demand); Facilitation of cooperation amongst the Member States; Establishment of indicators to verify the impact of cooperation; Special Annual Newsletter to highlight the advances made in cooperation on migration in the region. Activities