Migration policy framework for Africa and plan of action (2018 – 2030) 9.5 Migration, poverty and conflict Current international, regional and national dialogues on migration management reflect a consensus that comprehensive migration management policies need to address the root causes of forced migration. Conflict, insecurity, environmental degradation and poverty are significant root causes of mass migration and forced displacement in Africa. Activities aimed at preventing and managing conflict, promoting good governance and the rule of law, eradicating poverty and addressing environmental concerns are therefore critical to ensuring the future success of national, regional and pan-African migration management policies. SDG Goal I calls for….. End(ing) poverty in all its forms everywhere and Target 1.5 aims to….build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters…by 2030. Recommended strategies 74 i. Put in place gender and youth responsive strategies aimed at reducing poverty, improving living and working conditions, creating employment opportunities and developing skills that can contribute to addressing the root causes of migration. ii. Include migration in the formulation of continental, regional and national development frameworks with the purpose of supporting the economic and social development of the regions (rural and urban) from which migrants originate in order to address the root causes of migration and to reduce poverty. iii. Draw up reliable policies for the protection of the environment in order to avoid natural disasters, the encroachment of the desert and soil degradation which are major sources of displacement of people from their natural environment. iv. Promote the establishment and consolidation of democracy in African countries based on transparent, regular and participatory processes, respect for human rights and the rule of law and support pan-African institutions and initiatives reflecting these objectives including promoting the activities of the NEPAD African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). v. Reinforce pan-African and regional mechanisms for conflict prevention, management and resolution through, inter alia, the promotion of the AU’s Peace and Security Council and other pan-African and regional security enhancing mechanisms and early warning systems. vi. Support programmes for disarmament, demobilisation, detoxification and reintegration of former and demobilised combatants with particular attention to the predicament of child soldiers. vii. Support the involvement of women in conflict prevention and peace building by including a gender perspective in these activities and facilitating the active participation of women in peace negotiations and other diplomatic initiatives.