This initiative was launched in 2007 by the European Commission (EC) and the African Union Commission (AUC), and provides support by offering an open framework for consultations on a flexible thematic and geographic basis, by strengthening the leadership of key stakeholders, and by facilitating the exchange of information and good practices.

Within this framework, the AU is being supported by the EC on its capacity building initiatives with the Africa Regional Economic Communities, as well as on the establishment of the African Remittance Institute (ARI) which was launched in Addis Ababa in early June 2010. The Joint EU – Africa Declaration on Migration and Development has contributed to wider initiatives including migration and mobility partnerships of which the seventh partnership on stability, employment and

migration is vigorously being pursued as a key agenda item for many governments with the support of the EU. Similarly, the EU is providing support to the African Union towards its capacity building initiatives in support of the RECs within the framework of the EU-Africa strategic partnerships.

Current Focus

• Trafficking in Human Beings

• Irregular migration

• Remittances

• Diaspora

• Mobility and labour migration

• International Protection (human rights of migrants, irrespective of their legal status)

The EU and the AU stressed the need to tackle the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of human

beings and deter irregular migration; a particular focus is also the need to address vulnerabilities of

women , youth, and children, including those unaccompanied or separated from their families