Community Outreach Events To Deter Irregular Migration In Nghe An
Nghe An 19th-21st Jan 2015
In three days from the 19th to the 21st January, Nghe An Border Guard in cooperation with the International Migration Organization (IOM) in Vietnam organized three community outreach events in Nghi Xuan commune (Nghi Loc district), Nghi Tan and Thu Thuy communes (Cua Lo town) of Nghe An province.
Two smaller-scale events were also held at Cua Lo High School and Vocational Centre. These events are part of the project "Strategic Communications Campaign to Deter Irregular Migration from Vietnam to Australia by Boat", which is funded by the Australian Government.
Representatives of the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, Mr. David Edwards – First Secretary Immigration (Integrity), Mr. Mark Sandell – Second Secretary (Immigration) and Ms. Tran Nhi Ha – Integrity and Relationship Manager attended the events and delivered the campaign messages on behalf of the Australian Government. Colonel Tran Xuan Son – Deputy Commander of Nghe An Border Guard also participated and gave opening speech at the events.
On behalf of IOM, Mr. Jobst Koehler – Head of the Programming, Project Development and Implementation Unit conveyed the Organization’s appreciation toward our local partners and community people for their active participation and strong commitment in taking action to prevent irregular migration to Australia by boat.
Upon recognising that the number of irregular migrant deaths at sea has been overwhelming in recent years, the Australian Government developed a new border protection policy, which specifies that all irregular migrants who attempt to travel to Australia by boat will be intercepted and safely removed from Australian waters before they can set foot on Australian soil. This campaign was developed with an intention to spread awareness on the risks and dangers associated with irregular migration by boat and inform Vietnamese potential migrants of the new policy.
Targeting an audience at the grassroots level, these community events aim to get the Australian Government’s messages across through distribution of leaflets and brochures, performances by local artists and a quiz to test people’s understanding of the messages delivered. A 2015 New Year calendar with incorporated campaign messages were given as a gift to all participants in the events.
Under the same campaign, community outreach events had also been organized in Ha Tinh and Ba Ria – Vung Tau during December 2014. These three provinces were identified as hot spots for irregular migration to Australia, among which Nghe An is the main source of irregular migrants.
