The Budapest Process Thematic Working Group Meeting on Return and Reintegration took place on 31 May in Istanbul, Türkiye, to share best practice on returns and reintegration. David Scott, RSO Co-Manager (Australia) updated on Bali Process and RSO work to support return and reintegration across the Bali Process region and Asia Pacific, with further regional updates from the Rabat Process and Abu Dhabi Process.
The Budapest Process presented on its progress in implementing the Budapest Process Roadmap, which sets out voluntary return and reintegration practices and programmes in the region. Member States highlighted the importance of respect for human rights and seeking durable solutions to migration challenges through readmission agreements, bilateral country cooperation, and development-oriented projects which support sustainable reintegration and community harmonisation.
The priority focus on return and reintegration reflects heightened pressure countries are experiencing as they manage a significant influx of returnees following the Covid-19 pandemic and a global economic downturn. This influx adds to existing challenges countries may already be grappling with, such as economic recessions, natural disasters, climate change, and geopolitical events.
The RSO shared an overview of the Bali Process Voluntary Returns Support and Reintegration Assistance programme, which is overseen by the RSO and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The RSO also outlined work led by the Bali Process Technical Experts Group on Returns and Reintegration.
RSO Co-Manager David Scott said: “The Budapest Process Thematic Working Group Meeting on Return and Reintegration provided an excellent exchange of information and ideas to support voluntary return and sustainable reintegration initiatives. The RSO looks forward to continued collaboration with the Budapest Process over the coming year.”
