CARDS Support to Migration Management Capacities

EC National CARDS 2005

Support to the Implementation of the Integrated Border Management Strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Within the European integration process, Bosnia and Herzegovina has accepted the principles of Integrated Border Management (IBM), which promotes the idea of a controlled border while still remaining open to trade and tourism. The concept of IBM comprises coordination and cooperation of all relevant services and agencies involved in cross-border activities in order to guarantee that borders are managed with maximum effectiveness and efficiency. An enhanced cross border flow will support BiH in its efforts to develop a more open society with a better understanding and tolerance of its neighbours, and their cultural, religious and linguistic differences. It will also address threats related to the abuse of malfunctioning border management systems, including human trafficking and smuggling of drugs and weapons, thereby improving information exchange and cooperation among BiH cross-border authorities.

EU SUPPORT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF IBM STRATEGY FOR BiH PROJECT

The project provides the necessary human resources, technical and capacity building assistance, and support to develop institutional capacities of BiH (Ministry of Security, State Border Service, Indirect Taxation Authority, State Veterinarian Office, Entities Phyto-sanitary, Market and Sanitary inspections) enabling them to build up a functional, effective and integrated system of border management at the national and international level.

IOM assists the involved agencies in developing and establishing relevant legal framework and administrative procedures. The objective is to strengthen the legislative basis for IBM processes in BiH in line with EU standards and best practices, and other international norms.

IOM works on establishing effective and efficient management and organisational structures. IOM assists BiH authorities in increasing their inter-agency cooperation, communication and information sharing at all organisational levels.

IOM assists in establishing a Joint Analysis Centre responsible for assessment and dissemination of relevant data. IOM assists the involved agencies in establishing a common risk strategy based on collected and assessed general intelligence information. This will allow better organisation and coordination of border management work.

IOM assists BiH authorities in developing a self-sustainable training set up. Together with its counterparts, IOM works on developing common training manuals and curriculum to address various aspects of border work of mutual interest for the involved agencies.

IOM assists in establishing common and internationally compatible IT systems. IOM works on strengthening communication and IT capacities of all involved agencies in order to establish better exchange of information and efficient risk assessment.

ACTIVITES

• Assisting in the review and development of new legislative framework
• deploying short-term consultants (experts) to deal with specific issues related to operational implementation of IBM
• conducting training sessions to improve the cooperation, coordination and operational capacities of involved agencies
• providing advice and expertise aimed at establishing a Joint Analysis Centre
• organising workshops for the agencies’ officers to improve their knowledge and experience on border management related aspects

DONORS:

The European Commission

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