Namibia wants cooperation to tackle terrorism, migration issues

Home Affairs, immigration, safetey and security deputy minister Lucia Witbooi says countries have to come up with policy frameworks to respond to the challenges associated with increased migration.

She said this at a two-day workshop on counter-terrorism and migration issues, in Windhoek yesterday.

“We should not forget that the management of migration is more complicated, especially in southern Africa, taking into account how our modern-day borders were demarcated,” she said.

The workshop was called the Southern African Regional Informal Working Group on Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record.

Witbooi said countries are required to collaborate to ensure the movement and rights of travellers are observed.

“People move for various reasons. They move for economic opportunities to enable the strength of public, global institutions, the field of education and all that is needed for a better quality of life,” she said.

The deputy minister concluded that policymakers rely on sharing data technologies and partnerships to tailor policies that inform decision-making on the socio-economic impact of migrants.

“By sharing information and collaborating on data analysis, countries can work together to manage migration more effectively, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and promoting global permanency,” she said.

European Union (EU) ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins said the EU has partnered with African countries to strengthen border security and improve technology transfer cooperation and border management systems.

“In the area of technology, the EU is supporting authorities to implement the AdAd Passenger name, record, and advance passenger information systems that allow the exchange of traveller data between airlines and national authorities,” she said.

Martins said international travel plays a role in aiding terrorist activities and the security concerns of African countries impact the security concerns of countries in the EU.

“Criminals thrive in today’s interconnected world. They use planes to smuggle people, drugs and other illicit goods,” she said.

Martins said the EU has partnered with Interpol to enable African law-enforcement agencies to access international databases that track stolen or fraudulent travel documents.

United Nations resident representative Hopolang Phororo said the programme is another United Nations Children’s Fund effort to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism.

“Prevention, detection and interception of terrorist or serious criminals across the entire tribal spectrum involve aviation, land travel and the maritime sector,” she said.

Phororo said African countries joining the programme would reflect the efforts to help end attacks on global peace and security.