HIGHLANDS PROVINCES ENGAGE IN SMI TRAINING FOR DISASTER DISPLACEMENT SOLUTIONS

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the National Disaster Centre, and Provincial Disaster Centres (PDCs) of Western Highlands and Jiwaka, recently conducted a series of Solutions and Mobility Index (SMI) training sessions.

The training aimed to build the capacity of provincial stakeholders to understand and use the SMI to make decision and able to fine durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs)

According to IOM the pparticipants explored the displacement and human mobility context in their provinces, examining SMI indicators and how the framework connects key elements of durable solutions such as shelter, livelihoods, safety and security, access to essential services (including water, sanitation and hygiene, education, and health), and social cohesion.

Diana Anis from Link of Hope explained the importance of having accurate data.

 “Having accurate IDP data is important for planning and for finding durable solutions, I also realized how important it is to work with government and to listen to displaced people’s plan.”

Jiwaka Provincial Disaster Coordinator John Kupul said, “the SMI training complements the previous trainings provided by IOM, such as Displacement Tacking Matrix and Mass Evacuation in Disasters.

He said this holistic approach will help them to put to action and assist displaced populations transition from displacement toward durable solutions.

The sessions, held in Mt. Hagen in Western Highlands Province (29–30 September) and Banz in Jiwaka Province (2–3 October), brought together 48 participants (17 women and 31 men) from the government, Non-Governmental Organizations, civil society organizations, and local communities.

It was funded by the U.S. Government through IOM’s project, ‘Addressing the Drivers and Consequences of Disaster Displacement Through Enhancing Resilience in Papua New Guinea.’

ENDS//