adminProsper Dembedza Herald Reporter
The Swedish Embassy yesterday signed a two-year funding agreement with the International Organisation for Migration which will see the latter receiving a 20 million Swedish kroner grant to support mobile and vulnerable populations in Zimbabwe.
The agreement was signed by the Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Lars Ronnas, and the International Organisation for Migration chief of mission, Mr Martin Ocaga.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Ronnas said the funds would assist IOM to retain the capacity to respond to acute humanitarian needs among targeted populations.
“The Embassy of Sweden is particularly pleased to note that much focus will be on building the capacity of relevant stakeholders. It is hoped that this intervention will also act as a catalyst for unlocking the social, technological and economic benefits of planned and orderly migration.
“Sweden is entering into a partnership with IOM to jointly promote human and orderly migration for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. This partnership has ensured assistance to over 800 000 mobile and vulnerable people,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion Mr Ocaga said the grant would assist IOM and Government to respond to the emergency and humanitarian needs of the vulnerable migrants.
“The funding will strengthen IOM and Zimbabwe’s capacity to respond to the emergency and humanitarian needs of the vulnerable as well as support the transition towards community stabilisation and recovery for migration affected communities,” he said.
Mr Ocaga said the new funding will also play a role in making sure that the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation succeeds.
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