Embassy Seminar in Helsinki Explored Holistic Approaches to Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration
On 30 May 2024, IOM and the Finnish Immigration Service Migri jointly hosted a high-level embassy seminar in Helsinki, bringing together ambassadors and government officials from seventeen countries. The seminar focused on humane and sustainable strategies for the voluntary return, readmission, and reintegration of migrants.
IOM assists migrants in Finland with voluntary return and sustainable reintegration through the Finland Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, overseen by Migri. The seminar aimed to enhance cooperation among Diplomatic Missions, IOM, and Migri on these efforts.
The seminar emphasized the importance of international cooperation and information sharing to aid migrants returning to their countries of origin. Key speakers, including IOM's Regional Thematic Specialist Agueda Marin and Migri's Senior Adviser Santeri Somervaara, provided valuable insights into implementing holistic, rights-based approaches to return and reintegration.
Watch the highlights and expert interviews to learn more about the practices discussed at the seminar: