South Africa - Under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Kenilworth Respite Centre (KRC) on 19 January 2018 signed a grant agreement for the provision of direct assistance services to migrants in vulnerable situation in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa.  The agreement was signed by Richart Ots, IOM Chief of Mission in South Africa, and Sabera Timol, KRC’s shelter manager.  

The aim of the grant is to provide protection and assistance services to migrants in vulnerable situations. South Africa is a prominent destination for migrants from across the continent. Many migrants travel to South Africa in search of employment and better educational opportunities for children as well as to seek asylum. Some migrants end up in vulnerable situations, including trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation, and are in need of assistance.  Hence, KRC will be able to provide migrant in vulnerable situations in the KwaZulu-Natal province with the following services: shelter, referral to relevant service provider, educational support, psychosocial, (re)integration and medical assistance.

The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), €11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to assist to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including assisting victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Bongiwe Mlatsha, Email: MLATSHA Bongiwe bmlatsha@iom.int

https://www.iom.int/gloact
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/index.html
Twitter: @glo_act