OSCE and IOM-supported Summer School on Migration Studies concludes in Prague today

PRAGUE, 1 September 2017 – The Summer School on Migration Studies, hosted by the Faculty of Science of the Charles University in Prague from 28 August to 1 September, in co-operation with the Office of the Co-ordinator of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), concluded today in Prague.

Some 120 graduate students, practitioners and officials from a wide variety of institutions, including OSCE staff from field operations, attended lectures, workshops and simulations. They held dynamic discussions about the fast evolving nature of migration flows, focusing in particular on the socio-economic aspects of this phenomenon that is increasingly shaping the security landscape of the OSCE region and beyond.

“There is not a “black-and-white” approach to migration governance,” said Lucie Sladkova, Chief of Mission of the IOM in Prague. “Addressing the many different aspects of this complex and multidimensional phenomenon requires joined forces. This School is in itself the result of partners’ contributions.”

Teresa Albano, OSCE Economic Affairs Officer, said that the OSCE considers this initiative as an excellent opportunity to improve knowledge and competencies in the field of migration governance. “This is an integral part of our engagement, promoting an evidence-based dialogue on migration governance.”

The School is part of the support provided by the OSCE/OCEEA to the OSCE participating States in the implementation of their migration governance-related commitments.