This assessment report was produced in the context of the Silk Routes Partnership for Migration, an initiative of the Budapest Process. The aim of this report is to identify areas for future work in the field of humanitarian border management, a sector of assistance identified within the IOM Migration Crisis Operational Framework (MCOF). Humanitarian border management covers border operations before, during and after humanitarian crises that trigger mass cross-border movements. It aims to ensure that border authorities respond to cross-border migration arising from both natural and man-made disasters in a way that protects crisis-affected migrants and guarantees their human rights while respecting national sovereignty and security.

The report recommends, among other things: the development of standard operating procedures for border authorities at times of humanitarian crises; the articulation of a policy relating to emergency mass movements creating exemptions for humanitarian relief workers and goods; multi-agency contingency planning; an upgrade of communications and registration equipment; and the provision of comprehensive training for border authorities on international protection standards, dealing with vulnerable migrants, organizing referrals and conducting risk assessments. 

The report was funded with generous support from the Government of Turkey.