The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has commended government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services for effective handling of migration related issues.

IOM and the Ministry have formed a strategic partnership in the establishment of places of safety, particularly for victims of human trafficking, smuggling and gender based violence (GBV).

IOM has since thanked the Ministry for providing places of safety for vulnerable migrants and for providing notable community interventions to prevent human trafficking.

This came to light today, when IOM newly appointed Chief of Mission, Ms. Keisha Livemore, paid a courtesy call on Ministry Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, who underscored the need to continue strengthening collaboration in all areas of mutual interest.

Ms. Kawandami acknowledged that Zambia like many other countries, has witnessed an increase in migratory trends as a country of origin,transit and destination for people including children who find themselves in migration flows.

She thanked IOM for providing technical support to the five operational places of safety dotted across the country, which are offering shelter to victims and other vulnerable migrants in an effort to address trafficking and mixed migration related issues at community,district and national levels.

Ms. Kawandami has further appreciated IOM’s support in the development of key policies centered on migration and other anti-human trafficking activities and minimum guidelines for management of places of safety for victims of trafficking, smuggling and other vulnerable persons.

She is however happy that scores have been made in areas of training of border officials,law enforcement officers, social workers, prosecutors and other service providers to enhace service delivery.

And Ms. Livermore said the Ministry has done a commendable job not only in the area of good governance in immigration flows, but also in uplifting the welfare of the most vulnerable in society through the provision of social protection.

She pledged support to address challenges of inadequate staffing and security in places of safety, and to also assist with establishing a database system for migrant cases.

Ms. Livermore has also appreciated Zambia for enacting the Anti-Human Trafficking Act ,and for the development of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for effective handling of migrant related issues.