The sixth meeting of the Task Force on Planning and Preparedness, co-chaired by senior official co-chairs from Australia and Indonesia, took place in June 2021, against the backdrop of the multidimensional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members discussed the impacts of the changing global and regional context on efforts to address irregular migration and safety of life at sea issues.
There was universal recognition that closed borders, stretched economic resources, and health security challenges were all increasing the susceptibility of the region’s population to the appeal of irregular movement. Discussions focused on preventing irregular maritime ventures as the best way to save lives at sea. Members spoke to the importance of information sharing, inter agency cooperation, and effective law enforcement mechanisms in implementing successful prevention strategies and operational responses.
Discussions focused on preventing irregular maritime ventures as the best way to save lives at sea. Members spoke to the importance of information sharing, inter agency cooperation, and effective law enforcement mechanisms in implementing successful prevention strategies and operational responses.
Members also identified areas that could be explored further and form part of the Task Force on Planning and Preparedness' future strategic direction. These included strengthening the focus of the Task Force on Planning and Preparedness according to its mandate on prevention, as well improving preparedness for irregular migration overland and by air. The discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated responses and cooperation, including in the light of the increasing trend of women and girls and unaccompanied children joining irregular ventures.
Through the discussion, it was clear that there was appetite for exploring synergies with other Bali Process working groups, including the Disruption Working Group that brings together a network of law enforcement officials from Ad Hoc Group members.
Following on from this discussion, in July 2022, the TFPP convened two virtual Policy Experts Gatherings to review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on irregular migration, and discuss the particular vulnerabilities of women and children.
