IN AFRICA MIGRATION FOR DEVELOPMENT III. The way forward IN AFRICA Migration is a dynamic, evolving process, as well as a cross cutting issue, with complex consequences. States are therefore encouraged to adopt the following approaches, so as to ensure the coherent management of migration, with a view to maximise its benefits and minimise its negative impacts. 1. A comprehensive approach to migration management should be adopted - Member States and RECs are urged to implement the various recommendations made in the MPFA, in accordance with their respective migration realities and development objectives. Moreover, policy coherence between the various issue areas linked to migration is key to effective migration management. While Member States drive the development and implementation of national laws and policies that aid effective migration management, RECs have a role in ensuring the harmonisation of laws and policies across the region and spur regional dialogue and cooperation on migration. 2. Member States/RECs are encouraged to enact national/regional laws and formulate policies based on international/continental/regional protocols/principles for the management of migration and ensure the institutional capacities and coordination mechanisms at national/ regional levels for the management of migration; 3. Migration management requires information and its systematic use. Member States should encourage research to generate information, identify challenges and opportunities, and devise appropriate responses and strategies. Monitoring and evaluation of migration strategies, policies and responses are an important part of gathering this information, and ensuring that migration management initiatives are effective and respond to current realities. 4. Migration is a multi-faceted phenomenon which demands the action of different stakeholders, hence the need for governments to facilitate and encourage the involvement of different stakeholders, such as Non-Governmental Organisations, community organisations, migrants (including youth, women, Diasporas), government agencies etc. in the formulation of policies and the implementation of programmes. 5. Member states are encouraged to facilitate the full participation of the Diaspora in national development initiatives by establishing the appropriate policy frameworks and institutional structures necessary to reach, mobilise and engage the resources and networks of the Diaspora in all sectors of socioeconomic activity. 6. As migration involves origin, transit and destination States, inter-State, inter and intra-regional cooperation is crucial for the management of migration. As a result, governments should look for collective solutions to migration through bilateral, multilateral, regional and REC driven agreements and dialogue, in a manner that benefits all parties affected by migration: origin countries, transit countries, destination countries and migrants. 7. Migration often results in a conflict between national security/integrity and migrants’ rights. Member States should resolve the conflict by striking a balance between the two, inter alia, by harmonising national laws and policies with international standards and norms. 83