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SHARING DATA: Lessons from IOM’s Data Sharing Mechanism in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

UNECE Regional Workshop on international migration statisticsGeneva, 4 – 6 December 2007

Jobst KoehlerResearch Officer, IOM

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Why sharing data?

Challenges to obtain data for migration management:

• different levels of development in infrastructure

• different practices of data collection

• different understanding of migration-related data

• variation in human and financial capacities

There is a need for a “bottom-up” approach

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Sharing data: What’s is in a name?

Data-sharing is a « bottom-up » process to improve data that is :

Democratic

• States determine own indicator

Flexible

• States determine own pace

Simple

• Share available data• No major financial investments

Convergence rather than uniformity is the aim.

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IOM and International Data-Sharing

IOM assisted data-sharing processes in different regions:

• Statistical Information System on Migration in Mesoamerica (SIEMMES)

• Caribbean Community (CARICOM): Collection and Sharing of Migration-Related Data in the Caribbean

But most relevant for meetg:

• Data-Sharing Mechanism (DSM)) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia /The Programme for the Creation of a General Model for Collection, Application and Sharing of Migration-Related Data (“General Model)

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IOM Research

An approach to data management at national and

regional level (applicable to any region) that is based on the premise that:

• Level of development in migration data management varies

• Certain data exists but is not shared within and between states

• Producers and users should be connected.

Dual track approach at the national and regional level is needed.

“General Model”: What is it?

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IOM PublicationsMain elements at the national level:

• Establishing a network of core institutions

• Mapping out existing national statistical infrastructure

• Establish an agreed minimum set of 5-10 aggregated overall data indicators plus documentation

“General Model”: how does it work?

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Organization

Main elements at the regional level:

• Efficient electronic exchange mechanism

• Organizing regional workshops

• Addressing national needs through training modules

“General Model”: how does it work?

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DSM was a pilot test of the Programme for the Creation of a General Model for Collection, Application and Sharing of Migration-related Data, developed at IOM-OSCE workshop at Prague, 2002

Ended in 2006

Funding :OSCE-ODIHR, Danish Government, IOM and PRM

Consistent Participants: Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Kazakhstan

Publication: “Sharing Data: Where to Start”, edited by Folden, Manke and Mortensen

www.dsm.net

Applying the General Model: DSM in EECA

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Potential New Areas of Research

Creating a national network of institutions producing migration data:

• Choose a focal point from each agency and ensure continuity in the event of staff rotation

• Nominate a national coordinator and contact point for international inquiries

• Link data producers and users in a single national network

• Legislative framework to make network sustainable

Lessons from DSM: “Know your Counterpart”

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Training ObjectivesLessons from DSM: “Work with your counterpart”

Establishing an Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) to prioritize activities:

• Include decision-makers

• Create a clear structure and mandate for IMWG

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Training OutputsLessons from DSM: “Know Your Data”

• Mapping out existing infrastructure (sources and types of data)

• Make meta-data simple and comprehensive for policy-makers

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• Identify the national demand for indicators

• Prioritize and agree on a minimal set of statistical indicators

Provides the basis for regular reporting

Lessons from DSM: “Know your Needs”

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Tools

IT and Workflow assessment of the different stages of data management:

• Collection• Storage• Aggregation• Dissemination

Targeted IT upgrading.

Lessons from DSM: “Know your Gaps”

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Tools

• Training and “Train the Trainer” courses

• Encourage the process of self-learning through e-learning

• Raise training capacities of government officials

Lessons from DSM: “Know your Skills”

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Tools

Data Base and Web Portal (DSM) is unique:• New software created for the end-user after the

review of ten regional based databases.• DSM allows for several data-collection

methods: through focal points or user-prompt mode, on paper; or via Excel charts.

• More than just data, a tool for policy and legal exchange (e-library).

• Hierarchical data access ensures data ownership

Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

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Tools

Regional Dialogue:

• Technical meetings

• Thematic meetings

• Study Tours

Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

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ToolsDSM in comparative perspective

Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

Data Sharing Mechanism (DSM) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CIS

countries)

Statistical Information System on Migration in Mesoamerica (SIEMMES

Aim To serve as a tool for migration-related data collection, application and exchange in the region. Mechanism is also used to share legal and policy information on migration.

To monitor migration movements in, out and among Central America national and facilitate regional migration-related policy making.

Type of Data

Based on official data, data on non-nationals in total population, entries and exits of foreigners, work permits, applications for asylum and decisions

International migration flows (arrivals and departures by sex, border station, age and nationality). Extra-regional emigration, population impact on destination countries and countries of origin, immigration in the region, remittances.

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ToolsDSM in comparative perspective

Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

Data Sharing Mechanism (DSM) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CIS countries

Statistical Information System on Migration in

Mesoamerica (SIEMMES)

Sources of Data

Registers, entry and departure records, population censuses and household survey.

Arrival and departure records, national population censuses and household surveys.

Access to Data

Restricted to participating states. Selected data and information to be made public

Public

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Tools

Data-sharing is particularly an effective tool when:

• resources are limited and vary among states

• Some data exists

Conditions for success:• Data-sharing process needs to be integrated

in the administrative structure• Commitment at the State’s decision-

making level

Conclusion: how to make data-sharing effective?

Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue