The  Kingdom of Morocco will host, on the 10th and 11th of July 2006, the Ministerial Euro-African Conference on Migration and Development. The originality of this intiative lies firstly in its importance and its subject, whereby it links the migration problematic with the imperative of development. It will also contribute to launching a renewed cooperation between Africa and Europe. This gathering will bring together the representatives of close to 60 african and european countries, as well as  regional and international organisations who will assemble in Rabat with the aim of bringing concrete, sustainable and pertinent solutions to the challenge posed by migratory flow management.

 Context of the Initiative

In a context marked by the intensifying humanitarian crises caused by a constantly increasing flux of irregular subsaharan immigrants towards Europe, the Rabat Conference aims to urgently address the different aspects and various phases of the migratory process within a spirit of shared responsibility. The converging views existing today between countries of origin, transit and destination constitute the base for an innovative and balanced partnership, founded on a global vision which integrates both development and security.

A Clear Vision

The Rabat Conference aims to go past the rhetoric and lay the basis for an authentic cooperation vbetween Europe and Africa. This meeting constitutes, to this day, the only major endeavour in the area of migration to benefit from the active support of the European Commission. Following the  conclusions of the Council of Europe (Brussels, december 2005) and of the Informal European Summit in Hampton Court, the Rabat Conference seeks to promote an innovative partnership which will draw the lines of a future framework of cooperation that can appropriately respond to the stakes at hand.

This high level meeting represents the initial phase of a long process leading towards the organisation of other complementary conferences focusing on different migratory routes. This conference has an an objective to elabirate political and operational initiatives that are both complementary and coherent with the existing foras dealing with migration. The Rabat Conference is thus based on a continental and international approach, privileging efficiency and consultation between migratory countries of origin, transit and destination.

The Ministerial Euro-African Conference on Migration and Development will allow for the implementation of a clear strategic vision realised through concrete actions aiming to reach identified targets in an optimal manner.

Concrete Proposals

The Rabat Conference will enable the mobilisation of the means necessary for a rapid implementation of the measures agreed upon. The initiatives retained in this framework shall fall under one of the following axes:

1. The elaboration of cooperation programs relating to the management of legal economic migration;
2. The adoption of measures aiming to facilitate worker movement;
3. The promotion of development;
4. The establishment of financial tools supporting co-development;
5. The development of knowledge and know-how through measures ensuring that sufficient training is offered in support of the development of african countries;
6. The development of partnerships between scientific and technical institutions;
7.  The reinforcement of training cooperation;
8. The development of cooperation relating to irregular immigration;
9. The reinforcement of capacities in terms of national border control for countries of origin and transit;
10. The development of operational police and judiciary cooperation and of the assistance offered to victims;
11. The elaboration of relevant funding mechanisms.