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Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
The International Organisation of Migration (IOM) has called on world governments to focus on unlocking the power of migration.
In a statement on Monday to mark International Migrants Day celebrated yearly on December 18, IOM Director General Ms Amy Pope said it was important for people to work together to harness the power of migration.
She said the day presents an opportunity for people to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.
“People on the move are powerful drivers for development in both their origin and destination countries,” said Ms Pope.
“They are workers, students, entrepreneurs, family members, artists and so much more. Migrants often maintain strong connections to their home countries while embracing their new communities, where they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skill.
“All of this creates a unique blend of cultures and perspectives. So, for this International Migrants Day, we are focused on unlocking the power of migration. Migration is part of the solution to greater economic prosperity.”
She said migration is a key part of the solution to climate change and hence the need for people to work together considering that the collective actions of today prepare the world for a better tomorrow.
Throughout history, Ms Pope said people have migrated for better lives, to flee conflict, to escape persecution, or to find economic opportunity. Yet today, migration is getting more complex.
“We must come together with people-centred and evidence-based solutions. Solutions that will work for people to stay in their communities and for those who want to or must move.
“At IOM, we are committed to helping resolve these complex challenges— we do it because we know that when it’s managed well, migration is a cornerstone of sustainable development, prosperity, and progress,” she added.
In Zimbabwe, among other things, IOM has been working over the last two years to strengthen the capacities of front-line workers at four points of entry (PoEs) – Beitbridge, Plumtree, Chirundu and Forbes – to respond adequately to migrant needs, including post-arrival assistance, health, and protection assistance.
The organisation maintains protection assistance through counselling and referral services and provides the government with the necessary technical assistance to craft contingency plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) at PoEs and along the routes that migrants travel.
Online Reporter