Harare – IOM, the UN Migration Agency, with funding support from the European Union under the project Promoting Migration Governance in Zimbabwe (PMGZ), handed over yesterday (19/04) a state-of-the-art public address system to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage in Zimbabwe.   

The provision of the sound equipment is part of IOM’s technical support to the Trafficking in Persons (TiP) Secretariat to enhance its capacity to effectively implement the Zimbabwe TiP National Plan of Action (NAPLAC). NAPLAC is premised on the four Ps – Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership.

Human trafficking awareness raising through outreach programmes and public events such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the Harare Agricultural Show are some of the key deliverables of NAPLAC. The PA system is therefore crucial in raising awareness about anti-trafficking activities.

The initiative is part of the framework of the Promoting Migration Governance in Zimbabwe project that is being implemented by IOM with funding from the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund. The aim of the project is to contribute to the establishment of a migration governance framework in Zimbabwe that supports governments to manage migration in collaboration with non-state actors and in a migrant-centred, gender-sensitive, rights-based and development-oriented approach.

Under the same project, the TIP Secretariat received equipment including office furniture and stationery to be able to carry out its mandate in coordinating anti-trafficking activities. Technical support was also provided to establish five Provincial Trafficking in Persons Task Forces in the provinces of Manicaland, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central.

In his remarks, Melusi Matshiya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage re-affirmed the Government of Zimbabwe's commitment in combating trafficking in the country. “The TiP Secretariat’s work plan for 2018 prioritizes public awareness campaigns on human trafficking targeting the entire country including the rural areas,” said Matshiya. “The public address system we have received will enable us to effectively implement the work plan,” he added. 

Recognizing the Government of Zimbabwe's current achievements in the fight against human trafficking, Daniel Sam, Project Manager, IOM Zimbabwe re-iterated IOM's commitment to working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society organizations and partners. "We look forward to our continuing efforts in the fight against the heinous crime of Human Trafficking," said Sam.

For more information, please contact Gideon Madera, IOM Zimbabwe, Tel: +263 4 704285, Email: gmadera@iom.int