The Foreign Service Journal, March 2013

the Foreign Service journal | march 2013 25 These reintegration measures are particularly helpful in minimizing xenophobic sentiment within the host population, promoting acceptance and averting new conflicts. The Issue of Legal Standing Migrants, particularly those displaced by conflict or other rapid-onset disasters, are often more vulnerable than their host population due to a lack of legal standing. Forced migrants, whether internal or international, tend to have less access to public services, which leaves them subject to exploi- tation and trafficking in their efforts to secure their livelihood. Reducing this vulnerability requires local livelihood programs, as well as regular, temporary labor migration projects, not to mention training border guards in countertrafficking and in assisting victims of trafficking. In brief, solutions for those forced to migrate need to be constructed in a manner that helps to build stable societies. As a regional and global issue, migration requires a holistic approach that transcends the traditional humanitarian reac- tive approach and features risk reduction and durable recov- ery measures, as well. Just as close partnerships with airlines and other transpor- tation companies help furnish cost-effective and safe travel, good working relationships with governmental agencies and civil society organizations in resettlement destinations help these migrants begin new lives. Whether resettlement is seen as temporary or permanent, integration is vital. But it is also important to facilitate returns to countries of origin, should migrants so desire. Migrants who have found a sanctuary may be uneasy about conditions in their country of origin. And even when conditions there clearly are acceptable, migrants may still be unwilling to leave their newfound haven for the unknown. Providing them with the legal status to travel back and forth gives them the flexibil- ity and security to explore their options fully, and empowers them to make impressive contributions to the reconstruction of their countries of origin. IOM’s Return of Qualified Nationals Program offers a good