Candle of Hope Foundation
It is with great enthusiasm that I aim to provide comprehensive insights into the pivotal role that Candle of Hope Foundation (COHF), a local NGO operating in Kenya and Somaliland, plays in the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM).
As the Executive Director and co-founder of COHF, my work is anchored in the implementation of community-driven initiatives that bolster empowerment, resilience, sustainability, and peacebuilding. Our focus extends towards safeguarding vulnerable migrants, while actively engaging in the development of comprehensive solutions to dismantle the roots of inequalities, exclusion, and violence afflicting women and children.
As a representative of civil society organizations in the East Africa region, I am actively engaged in the UN Network on Migration’s interagency and stakeholder facilitation team. Together, with members of the team, I carry out workshops for UN Country Teams. These workshops focus on facilitating discussions on how migration is or could be better integrated into the work of the UN in a country. This often starts with looking at the UN Common Country Analysis and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
In my capacity, I not only facilitate the trainings within the African region, but also advocate for the rights and needs of migrants. I advocate for policy transformations and legislative reforms to amplify protection and counter human trafficking. Through strategic collaboration with governments, international entities, and local stakeholders, COHF contributes to the formulation and execution of comprehensive frameworks centered on prevention, partnership, and protection.
COHF has overwhelmingly dedicated its expertise and resources to supporting vulnerable migrants and victims of human trafficking. Our initiatives are comprehensive, addressing the underlying factors that give rise to human trafficking and exploitation – such as poverty, lack of education, social inequalities, and gender-based violence. By partnering with relevant stakeholders and state actors, we proactively work towards preventing vulnerability, aiding survivors in their recovery, and facilitating their successful reintegration.
Within Kenya, we have identified core priorities, which involve supporting the implementation of the National Implementation Plan for GCM alongside the Government of Kenya. We actively collaborate with various UN agencies, within the Counter Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Migration Technical Working Group to address challenges affecting migrants.
As such, we participated in facilitating dialogue on the GCM's implementation and review processes in the East and Horn of Africa this took place in 7-9th of June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. As a panelist at the event, I emphasized the pivotal role of CSOs in fostering inclusivity and coordination for migrants.
The challenges we confront as local CSOs are multifaceted, ranging from un-inclusive migration policies, border corruption, and conflicts in neighboring countries exacerbating vulnerability to human trafficking trends. To address these challenges, we advocate for a concerted effort against corruption at porous borders and for the creation of an emerging issues catalog and early warning systems to anticipate changing migration dynamics.
As we look forward to the next round of GCM Regional Reviews in 2024, our aspiration is to witness heightened participation from grassroots organizations, and a reinforced emphasis on capacity building and information dissemination among stakeholders. It is also important to note that engaging local authorities and communities in the implementation of the GCM in Kenya to tailor-make solutions to local contexts.
Another strategy could be looking into community-led initiatives; where communities are encouraged to propose that address migration challenges, providing them with technical support and resources to empower them to implement projects that align with GCM goals and objectives.
Finally, to ensure greater partnerships in Kenya, I believe certain strategies such as multi-stakeholder platforms could create structured pace for regular dialogue, collaboration, and joint planning,
Together, in partnership collaboration and coordination, we can navigate the journey towards enhanced migration policies and a safer more inclusive future.
Nimo Ali
Executive Director