Ine Lietaert contributes at the Panel Debate on The Reintegration of Return Migrants: Insights from West Africa

This panel debate is taking place at VUB/online on 15 June from 18.00 - 20.00 and will discuss the challenges of reintegrating return migrants in West Africa, with a particular focus on the Gambia. The EU has placed an emphasis on tackling irregular migration from West Africa including by returning them to their country of origin. It has also financed comprehensive “Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes” for West African migrants stranded on their way to Europe, most often in Libya. These migrants may not only receive support to get back but also to reintegrate again in their home societies. “Sustainable reintegration” has been defined as one of the multidimensional objectives of the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Yet, what are the actual experiences of returnees once they are back in their home country? Do local governments and European/international actors follow up once a return procedure is completed? Put differently, is “sustainable reintegration” a policy concept without much actual meaning or does it indeed impact the lives of returnees?  

Please click here for further information and registration.