Funded by the European Union.
SAFE Project Field Visits - VAN

SAFE Project Advances Evidence-Based Border Management

SAFE Project Advances Evidence-Based Border Management

Funded by the European Union and implemented by the Representation of International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Türkiye in close cooperation with the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the project Supporting Türkiye’s Efforts to Strengthen Border Management at the Eastern and Southeastern Land Borders (SAFE) continues to advance technical assessments and institutional consultations across Türkiye’s eastern land borders.

In February 2026, the SAFE Project Team conducted a series of field missions to key border provinces. Between 1–3 February 2026, consultations and site visits were organised in Van. This was followed by engagements in Iğdır and Ağrı between 9–13 February 2026, and in Şırnak from 18–20 February 2026.

Across all locations, the team met with relevant central and local authorities responsible for border management and border crossing operations, combining structured consultations with targeted site assessments at land border areas and crossing points.

The visits assessed institutional, operational, technical as well as climatic and topographic conditions on the ground. Attention was given to identifying areas where capacity could be further developed, operational risks and mitigation measures, and feasible surveillance deployment options.

The findings will inform evidence-based planning for the next phase of interventions under the SAFE Project, ensuring that future investments respond directly to operational realities and national priorities.

About the SAFE Project

Funded by the European Union, the SAFE Project aims to strengthen Türkiye’s border management capacity within the framework of Chapter 24 of the EU acquis. Implemented by the Representation of ICMPD in Türkiye, with the Directorate General of Border Management as the main beneficiary, the project focuses on strengthening technological infrastructure, enhancing institutional capacity, and developing operational expertise to address irregular migration and cross-border crime at Türkiye’s eastern and south-eastern land borders.

The project brings together various components ranging from the procurement of high-tech border surveillance equipment to the implementation of human rights-based practices. For more information about the SAFE Project (in English), please visit: https://bit.ly/44eUem5

Regarding ICMPD

Founded in 1993, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation with 21 Member States and close to 500 staff members. Active in more than 90 countries worldwide, ICMPD holds UN observer status and cooperates with more than 240 partners including EU institutions and UN agencies. The Vienna-based organisation’s representation in Türkiye has two offices, one in Ankara and the other in İstanbul.

SAFE Project Field Visits - IĞDIR
SAFE Project Field Visits - ŞIRNAK
SAFE Project Field Visits - VAN
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SAFE Project Do No Harm Analysis Preparatory Meeting

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On 24–25 April 2025, a preparatory meeting for the Do No Harm Analysis was held in Ankara within the scope of the project “Supporting Türkiye’s Efforts to Strengthen Border Management at the Eastern and South-Eastern Land Borders (SAFE)”. The meeting was organised by the Representation of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Türkiye, in cooperation with the Directorate General of Border Management under the Presidency of Migration Management and with the financial support of the European Union. The meeting aimed to consult with key stakeholders on the scope and methodology of the analysis—focusing on the human rights and environmental dimensions of the project—and to gather their feedback.