Juba - As part of the ongoing efforts of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen the technical and operational capacity of agencies with migration functions in South Sudan, a new office building has today been handed over to the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport and Immigration (DCRNPI). The two-story building has 17 office spaces and will serve to strengthen the effectiveness with which DCRNPI can perform citizens service.

The construction of the building was funded by the Government of Japan under a project called ‘Capacity Building to Improve Border Security and Address Transnational Organized Crime in South Sudan’ launched in 2018. Under this project, IOM has provided capacity building of law enforcement agencies with aims to contribute to Government efforts to enhance border security, prevent transnational organized crimes and improve migrant protection in South Sudan.

“IOM is committed to working in close cooperation with the Government of South Sudan, and providing support in the form of capacity building, policy development, and the promotion of intra- and interagency cooperation at the national and regional level. The handover of this office building constitutes a landmark of a key project within these efforts, for which we appreciate the steadfast support of the Government of Japan, and the close coordination enjoyed with DCRNPI,” said Tya Maskun, IOM South Sudan Head of Operations.

“The Government of Japan has been supporting the efforts done by DCRNPI through IOM for a long time. With this new building, we trust that the working environment of DCRNPI leadership and its role to carry out migration policies will be improved,” said the Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Seiji Okada.  

“Capacity building trainings conducted by IOM through this project will also further support the DCRNPI and its respective offices at entry borders,” added Ambassador Okada.   

At a broader level, IOM has provided DCRNPI with key infrastructures and equipment to support migration management efforts in border areas. IOM has also supported the Government of South Sudan in the formulation of a Comprehensive National Migration Policy with four key priorities namely; managing free movement and border management, addressing forced migration, regulating labor migration and facilitating migration and development.

The Honorable Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Michael Chiangjiek, said that the Government of South Sudan continues to enjoy very good and strong working relations with the Government of Japan and the UN Migration Agency.

“This building is yet another symbol of the strong relationship we have with the people of Japan as well the good rapport we have with IOM,” said Hon. Minister Chiangjiek. “We will continue to work hand in hand to enhance border security and improve migrant protection in South Sudan,” he said.

For more information, please contact: Liatile Putsoa at IOM South Sudan, Tel: +211912380104, Email: lputsoa@iom.int