MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATION OF THE BLACK SEA ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION

Transcription

1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATION OF THE BLACK SEA ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION

2 The Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), TAKING NOTE of the fact that the regional cooperation in the BSEC Region is considered as a part of the integration process in Europe, based on human rights and fundamental freedoms, prosperity through economic liberty, social justice, and equal security and stability which is open for interaction with other countries, regional initiatives, international organizations and financial institutions, NOTING that IOM, committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society, assists in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advances understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and works towards effective respect for the human dignity and well-being of migrants, BEING AWARE of the dangers resulting from irregular migration and of the need to protect victims of trafficking, BEING CONSCIOUS of the need for closer cooperation between BSEC and IOM in matters of common interest, and desirous of further enhancing and strengthening such cooperation, HAVE COME TO THE FOLLOWING UNDERSTANDING: I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF COOPERATION 1. BSEC and IOM will act in close collaboration and hold consultations on all matters of common interest. To this end, the two Organizations will consider the appropriate framework for such consultations as and when necessary. 2. BSEC and IOM accept that their activities related to migration and regional economic cooperation will be coordinated in an effort to achieve the maximum cooperation and the elimination of unnecessary duplication between them, and that when common interests so dictate, either Organization may request the cooperation of the other.

3 3. Each Organization will endeavour, in so far as possible and in compliance with its constituent instruments and the acts of its competent bodies, to respond favourably to such requests for cooperation in accordance with procedures to be mutually approved upon. II. ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS 1. In accordance with the applicable rules of procedure and the acts adopted by the competent bodies concerning the attendance of meetings by observers, third parties and/or guests, BSEC will invite IOM to send representatives to meetings and conferences convened by BSEC to which intergovernmental organizations have been invited, whenever matters of interest to IOM are to be discussed. 2. In accordance with the applicable rules of procedure and decisions taken by the competent bodies concerning the attendance of meetings by observers, IOM will invite BSEC to send representatives to meetings and conferences convened by IOM to which intergovernmental organizations have been invited, whenever matters of interest to BSEC are to be discussed. III. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION 1. BSEC and IOM accept to exchange information to the fullest extent possible on matters of common interest. 2. Where appropriate and subject to the necessary requirements, information and documentation relating to specific projects or programmes may also be exchanged between BSEC and IOM with a view to attaining better complementary action and effective coordination between the two Organizations. IV. TECHNICAL COOPERATION Each party may consider any formal request from the other party for 2

4 supporting specific activities that fall within their respective mandates and priorities. V. JOINT ACTION 1. BSEC and IOM may, through special arrangements, decide to act jointly in the implementation of projects that are of common interest. Special arrangements will define the modalities for the participation of each Organization in such projects and shall determine the expenses payable by each of them. 2. BSEC and IOM may, whenever they consider it desirable, set up technical or advisory groups, on terms and conditions, to be mutually agreed upon in each case, to facilitate the implementation of joint activities. VI. AREAS OF COOPERATION Without prejudice to cooperation in additional fields, the two Organizations accept to consider the following areas for mutual cooperation: (a) Establishing or strengthening regional dialogue and technical cooperation mechanisms, where appropriate, among and between the BSEC Member States and other countries affecting migration patterns in the BSEC region; (b) Expert and legal advice to the BSEC Member States in migrationrelated areas, to facilitate harmonization and coordination of approaches; (c) Coordinating activities in protecting victims of trafficking and irregular migration; (d) Coordinating information campaigns, trainings or other programmes by IOM through BSEC network; (e) Implementation of programmes by IOM, in close collaboration with 3

5 BSEC, in combating smuggling and trafficking in persons, and other forms of irregular migration in the BSEC region; (f) Facilitating communication and cooperation among BSEC Member States on issues related to border controls; and (g) Providing IOM s assistance to migrants for voluntary return to, from and via BSEC Member States. VII. COOPERATION BETWEEN THE SECRETARIATS The Secretary General of BSEC PERMIS and the Director General of IOM will take appropriate measures to ensure effective cooperation and liaison between the Secretariats of the two Organizations. VIII. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNDERSTANDINGS The BSEC PERMIS and the Administration of IOM will consult each other regularly on matters relating to this Memorandum of Understanding. IX. SUPPLEMENTARY ARRANGEMENTS BSEC and IOM may enter into such supplementary arrangements for the purpose of cooperation and coordination as may be found desirable. X. ENTRY INTO FORCE, AMENDMENTS AND DURATION 1. This Memorandum of Understanding will come into effect on the date of its signature by the duly authorized representatives of the two Organizations. Upon its signature, both organizations will publicize it among their field and headquarters personnel. 2. This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended by mutual consent of 4

6 BSEC and IOM. The proposed amendment will be made in writing to the other Organization and will come into operation upon its acceptance in writing by the two Organizations. 3. Either of the two Organizations may terminate this Memorandum of Understanding by giving six months' written notice to the other Organization. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned representatives of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and of the International Organization for Migration have signed the present Memorandum of Understanding. Signed this twenty fourth day of March 2006 at Bucharest, Romania. For the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation: For the International Organization for Migration: