Name of project
Starting date
2003
Main objective
Amount contributed
45 000 000 SEK (2007-2008)
Results
Sida’s support to IOM began in 2003 with the Emergency assistance to mobile and vulnerable populations project. The government’s fast track land reform programme with the closure of commercial farms resulted in an increase of internally displaced. In 2005 IOM extended its programme further to include victims of the government’s “restore order programme” - Operation Murambatsvina. On the basis of Sida’s positive experience of this programme continued support was extended in 2006. In 2007 Sida scaled up its support to IOM by funding five critical projects; reintegration of returnees, reception and service centres for migrants at the Beitbridge and Plumtree border posts, support to mobile and vulnerable populations, provision of shelter to the most vulnerable affected by Operation Murambatsvina. In 2008 IOM is continuing support for all but the first project above. In addition Sida will support IOM to start a project in Beitbridge that facilitates the temporary and safe migration of Zimbabwean farm workers to South Africa.
The Beitbridge Reception Centre has assisted 334,830 people since inception. Protection cases were 530 and Child Centre Referals were 5,145. Those who received transport home were 171,571. Other services offered were cooked meals (208,775), Take home food packs 162,441. Recently, the centre has trained border officials on sexual and gender based violence. The centre has also provided all services for voluntary returnees fleeing xenophobic attacks. Future plans include providing improved counselling services, improved assistance for beneficiaries referred to district hospitals and improved referrals in home areas. New planned projects include e-registration and the labour centre.
The Plumtree Reception Centre was opened for services on the 30th of April and is expected to offer services similar to those of the Beitbridge Centre.
Support to mobile and vulnerable populations (MVPs): The project strategy is to deliver minimum required response to the humanitarian needs of MVPs. During 2007, a total of 6,003 households (31,530 individuals) were registered for assistance, out of these, 27,513 households (128,688 individuals) were actively assisted during this period. 21,524 food packs were distributed countrywide, on average, 3,465 households were assisted with food on a monthly basis over the course of five months. A total of 3,109 non food items packs were distributed along with an additional 4,300 blankets reaching a total of 4,721 households. 9,798 households received livelihood assistance in the form of agricultural inputs and assistance. MVPs were also assisted with a total of 29 water points reaching 12 communities in three districts and catering for 2,934 households. A total of 216 ecosan latrines were provided benefiting 2,934 households. In terms of HIV/AIDS and Gender Based Violence IOM implemented activities in 18 districts leading to 149,264 beneficiary contacts.
There are over 2,500 destitute households affected by Operation Murambatsvina (OM/ORO) A total of 1,381 households received shelter assistance in the form temporary structures (361), semi permanent structures (256) and plastic sheeting (474).
General information