IOM Dominican Republic improves response mechanisms in border provinces

 
Dominican Republic
10 February, 2020

Jimaní. The International Organization for Migration in the Dominican Republic is supporting a simulation program to improve response mechanisms in emergencies at the various border checkpoints between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

The methodology involves an exercise requiring evaluation of coordination components, decision-making, communication flow, data assessment, and completing check lists in case of emergencies.

During the month of January, IOM held three simulation workshops focused on response to migration flows following emergencies or natural disasters in the municipalities of Jimaní, Elías Piña, and Dajabón. The 66 participants included government authorities, members of civil society, and representatives of the Disaster Assistance and Prevention Committee.

“Through these fictitious scenarios, we become aware that we need to be prepared for any contingency, taking essential steps and responding according to the laws of the Dominican Republic,” explained Gerardo Portela, IOM consultant specializing in Contingency Plans.

“After the simulation exercise is completed, the strengths and weaknesses of the Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Committees are identified in order to improve and be prepared for any emergency at these border checkpoints."

IOM implements these activities under the Regional Migration Program: Mesoamerica-The Caribbean, with financing from the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) of the Department of State of the United States.