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European Union (EU) provides funds for IOM's Programme for Migration and Development
International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
October 31, 2007

IOM in coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe is launching the programme Zimbabwe Migration and Development Strategies to contribute to the management of migration and enhance the development impact of migration in Zimbabwe. The European Union is providing total funding of 843,000 Euro to support IOM's innovative programme for Migration and Development in Zimbabwe. The project has three components including: support to the Government of Zimbabwe to establish an institutional, policy and legal framework for the development and implementation of a national strategy for migration and development; the formulation and application of a Zimbabwe Migration Profile, including research on remittances; and supporting the sequenced short-term return of medical professionals in the diaspora.

This is not the first time that EU is funding migration related activities in the country. The European Commission is supporting a UNICEF programme to assist child rights organisations in preventing cases of child exploitation and cross border child trafficking and help children obtain birth registration

A signing ceremony was held 31 October 2007 with the European Commission and IOM in Harare in the presence of representatives of the Zimbabwe Government, including Hon. Sylvester Nguni, Minister of Economic Development.

"The European Union through the European Commission wants to give a special attention to the migration challenges that Zimbabwe and its people are currently facing and that have large impacts on the social and economic development of the country. This project is in line with the EU migration and external development policy and the present EU policy towards Zimbabwe" said Ambassador Xavier Marchal, Head of the European Commission Delegation to Zimbabwe.

This programme aims to address migration and development issues through an inclusive approach with Government, diaspora and local communities. "We see Zimbabwe as a pioneer for new migration management strategies not only in Zimbabwe but potentially as a model for the Southern African region," Mr. Marcelo Pisani, IOM Chief of Mission Zimbabwe.

For additional information, please contact Erin Foster, IOM Harare, Tel: +263 4 335 048, Email: efoster@iom.int

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