THE Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have partnered the European Union (EU) in a new project designed to ensure the protection of migrant domestic workers and victims of human trafficking in the country.
PHILLIP CHIDAVAENZI SENIOR REPORTER
ZRCS secretary-general Maxwell Phiri said the programme seeks to promote and protect the rights of migrants through direct social assistance and protection to the migrants and their families.
“The national society is committed to addressing the needs and vulnerabilities of migrants and any other persons affected by migration regardless of their legal status, in order to provide protection and assistance following our Fundamental Principles of Independence and Neutrality,” Phiri said.
He said the support would include access to healthcare, legal support and social inclusion measures like training.
“The project also aims to help civil society organisations (CSOs) to better protect the rights of these migrants by creating a network where all the CSOs can share best practices,” he said.
“Promoting rights of migrants as well as well-managed migration, labour and anti-trafficking policies and legislation, and supporting dialogue with public authorities, employers’ associations and the private sector, are some other actions that will be pursued.”
According to the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs Department, there are 360 992 migrants living in Zimbabwe and 656 207 Zimbabweans living abroad. These were part of 232 million migrants worldwide.
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The programme is part of a €10,5 million action programme to be implemented in 15 countries.
Zimbabwe recently enacted the Human Trafficking Act in an effort to curb the scourge of human trafficking in the country believed to be a transit point for human trafficking. Several people have already been prosecuted under the new law.
