In recent years, within the context of an increase of irregular migration flows in West Africa, there were signs indicating the existence of criminal networks taking advantage not only of a gap of coordination between states, but also of the vulnerability of communities to human trafficking and smuggling. Guinea is considered a transport hub for irregular migrants, usually in the direction of North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 young people annually embarked on irregular migration from Sierra Leone, with over a quarter of those trafficked, including women and children for forced labor and commercial sex exploitation.

Border communities were highly vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases, as occurred during Ebola, and Points of Entry (POE) had a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. Border health posts lacked resources (personnel, infrastructure, communication, mobility, and accommodation) for reporting and managing COVID-19 and other public health threats. Further, there were insufficient human protection mechanisms and economic opportunities, creating a climate for illegal activities; Youths undertook irregular migration and engaged in illicit ventures to improve their lives and invariably exposed themselves to sexual violence, trafficking, forced prostitution, and health consequences.

To address these issues, as well as security threats, the Parrot’s Beak area needed better resources, cross-border coordination and information sharing; stronger state institutions and systems that were trusted by communities and migrants; and enhanced social cohesion among and within communities to better sustain peace, support vulnerable groups, and work against human trafficking and other illegal activities.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Trade Center (ITC), jointly implemented the project “Strengthening border management, social cohesion, and cross-border security in the Parrot's Beak area” in the border regions of the Republic of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (the Fund), the project lasted 30 months (November 2020 to August 2023). The overall objective of this joint Programme (JP) was to strengthen the capacities of three countries (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) for cross-border collaboration on migration and health management in an area known as Parrot's Beak, where the borders of the three countries met. The JP aimed to enhance integrated management of the states' borders and promote exchanges to better control illegal activities as well as other risks to which border communities were particularly vulnerable. Increased cooperation was expected to reduce human trafficking and the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV); minimize the spread of COVID-19; improve cross-border social cohesion and protect human rights and were included in the following outcomes:
Outcome 1: Integrated border management capacities of Immigration and Health Authorities are strengthened to adequately address border control, health, and mobility realities.
Outcome 2: Trust is increased to better connect communities/migrant populations with state institutions and support systems.
Outcome 3: Cross-border social cohesion is improved among Parrot’s Beak communities.

To ensure that no one was left behind, the JP strategy was based on the right to development and the human rights-based approach to programming. It considered border community perspectives and expectations to effectively address joint border management issues and strengthen social cohesion among women, youth, and migrants. Emphasis was placed on synergies with ongoing initiatives, involving public institutions to ensure ownership, and creating linkages between local and national programs to promote sustainability.

JP sustainability was anchored in complementary programs, including the Mano River Union’s joint border security program that promoted dialogue and solved disputes among communities through joint border patrols, social unity activities, information exchange meetings, and investigating border security threats. The JP also worked with the "Arms Collection Pilot Program," linked to the ECOWAS conflict prevention framework and carried out by UNDP Guinea, to raise awareness and strengthen capacities of stakeholders, such as National Commissions, Defense and Security Forces, and Civil Society Organizations, on dangers of small arms and light weapons proliferation. SheTrades West Africa aimed to improve the livelihoods of women in certain agricultural value chains, funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency and implemented by the ITC. Additionally, Guinea was one of the pilot countries for the establishment of the African Trade Observatory within the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union. These programs provided opportunities for economic and social empowerment of women in the Parrot’s Beak area.