As part of its continued efforts to promote migrants’ rights and support safe migration governance in Puntland, Bareedo Platform Somalia, in collaboration with the Refugees Affairs Department (RAD) under the Ministry of Interior of Puntland, conducted a two-day training session in Qardho focused on enhancing understanding of migrants’ rights, international labour standards, and the integration of migrants with host communities.

The training took place at Hotel Gufure in Qardho, Puntland, Somalia, from March 15 to 16, 2021, and brought together 30 participants, including representatives from local authorities, community leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the migrant community.

Puntland, particularly towns like Qardho, has increasingly become a hub for mixed migration flows. Strengthening the capacity of local authorities and community actors to support the rights and inclusion of migrants is vital for social cohesion and protection outcomes.

Training Objectives

The primary objectives of the training were to:

• Increase awareness among local stakeholders on migrants’ rights and international labour standards.
• Enhance understanding of the roles of government, civil society, and communities in supporting migrants.
• Promote safe migration practices and social integration between migrant and host communities.
• Strengthen coordination between local actors and government institutions in mixed migration governance.

Participants

A total of 30 participants attended the training, drawn from the following sectors:

• Qardho Local Authority officials
• Traditional and community leaders
• Local youth groups
• Civil society organizations (CSOs)
• Key representatives from the migrant community residing in Qardho

The training ensured representation of both host and migrant populations, encouraging inclusive dialogue and shared learning.

Training Content and Facilitation

The training was facilitated by two experienced experts—one from Bareedo Platform Somalia and one from Puntland’s Refugees Affairs Department (RAD).

Key training topics included:

• Introduction to international legal frameworks governing migrants’ rights
• Overview of labour standards and protections for migrant workers
• Principles of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence between migrants and host communities
• Roles and responsibilities of local authorities and CSOs in migrant protection and integration
• Case studies and group exercises to build practical understanding of safe migration and referral mechanisms

Interactive methods such as group discussions, scenario-based role plays, and experience sharing were used to deepen participant engagement.

Outcomes and Reflections

The training was well-received by participants, who expressed appreciation for the knowledge shared and the inclusive platform it created. Notable outcomes included:

• Increased understanding of migrant vulnerabilities and rights-based approaches to protection.
• Strengthened trust and communication between migrant community members and host authorities.
• Identification of joint priorities and challenges to be addressed through continued collaboration.
• Renewed commitment among stakeholders to support integration, prevent exploitation, and ensure equal access to services for migrants.

Conclusion and Next Steps

This training marked an important step toward improving the capacity of local actors in Qardho to address migration-related issues with sensitivity, legal awareness, and community engagement. It aligns with Bareedo Platform’s broader mission to promote safe migration practices, protect migrant rights, and foster inclusive migrant governance in Puntland.

As a next step, Bareedo Platform Somalia plans to replicate similar trainings in other migration hotspot towns and continue engaging authorities, CSOs, and migrant leaders in policy dialogue, advocacy, and capacity development.