Consular Crisis Management

2018-2019

“Migrants in Countries in Crisis: Supporting an Evidence-based Approach for Effective and Cooperative State Action” (MICIC) was a 4-year European Union funded project implemented by the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in 2015-2019. The aim of the project was to improve the ability of states and other relevant stakeholders to provide assistance and protection to migrants affected by crisis situations.

In 2018-2019, in the framework of the cooperation between the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the Diplomatic Institute, a training programme on Consular Crisis Management was implemented in Georgia. It provided trainings for consular staff and representatives of the Diplomatic Institute, and in close collaboration with the Ministry developed a joint action plan to help deal with crisis situations and assist migrants in the countries in crisis.

A national policy document, “The Rule of Taking Action in Crisis Situations Occurring Abroad” was developed. This document established a crisis management system to determine mechanisms of coordination between the Ministry and Georgia’s diplomatic Missions regarding crisis preparedness and response; distributed and allocated functions and responsibilities among the relevant officials both at Georgian missions abroad and at the MFA in time of crises.

The project team developed a consular crisis management module for the Diplomatic Institute and provided trainings for a respective group of trainers. The training of trainers was conducted in two stages. The first stage was dedicated to sharing the best practices of various countries by British, American, French, Swedish and Philippine experts. The second stage focused on the aforesaid document. In addition, several workshops were conducted for consular staff, as well as for ministry officials working on diaspora-related issues.

By carrying out this one-year project, which comprised of many working meetings and seminars, the Ministry and our Institute took very important steps towards ensuring the smooth functioning of our consulates in countries in crisis.