Courage Worldwide is honored to share about our partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the release below!
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Dec 30, 2024 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the United States Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, is pleased to announce the launch of a new project titled, "Enhancing Protection of Victims of Trafficking (VoTS) in Tanzania through Provision of Comprehensive Services."
This initiative is a significant step forward in addressing the complex issue of human trafficking in Tanzania. It aligns with the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Plan of Action and aims to implement comprehensive interventions to protect and support victims of trafficking. The project focuses on three main areas.
Enhancing the Capacity of Shelters: Strengthening existing shelters in the regions of Kigoma, Kagera, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam to provide safe and supportive environments for victims of trafficking.
Provision of Timely, Comprehensive, Quality, and Accessible Services: Ensuring that shelters offer a full range of victim-centered services that support the physical, psychological, and social recovery of victims. This includes medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance.
Sustainable Return and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking in Persons: Facilitating the safe and voluntary return of victims to their places of origin and supporting their reintegration and reunification with their families.
The vision of this project is to catalyze systemic change by fostering a society in which victims of trafficking are protected and survivors can reintegrate with confidence. The goal is to expand protection and response services for victims of trafficking through a victim-centered response system that ensures their safety, recovery, and reintegration.
"We are proud to partner with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the funding from the United States Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons on this vital project," said Maurizio Busatti, Chief of Mission, IOM Tanzania. "Together, we will enhance the capacity of shelters, provide essential services to victims, and support their safe return and reintegration."
The United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Michael Battle, echoed these sentiments, stating, "This collaboration underscores our commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting victims. Through this project, we aim to create a sustainable and supportive environment for victims, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care and assistance they need."
"Courage Worldwide continues to provide a safe home and a path forward for our residents at Courage House," said Jenny Williamson, Founder and CEO of Courage Worldwide. "We are pleased to be an implementing partner on this project working closely with IOM Tanzania to continue this important work."
"We are honored to be partnered with IOM to help the most vulnerable citizens of Tanzania–children; girls as young as 8 years old who have been exploited and sold for sex, and who need a safe place and resources so that their lives can be changed," said Stephanie Midthun, Regional Director of East Africa at Courage Worldwide. "With this partnership, we are able to double our capacity at our Courage House in Dar es Salaam, so that more victims can be helped in the future."
IOM Tanzania, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons are committed to working together to achieve the objectives of this project and to make a lasting impact on the lives of victims of trafficking in Tanzania.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ken Heriel
Programme Assistant
IOM Tanzania
Phone: +255 752 694 597
Email: kheriel@iom.int
Courage Worldwide Contact:
About International Organization for Migration
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. Established in 1951, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.
About the U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons leaders the United States' global engagement in the fight against human trafficking. The office partners with foreign governments, international organizations, and civil society to combat human trafficking through prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts.
This press brief note serves to inform stakeholders and the general public about the beginning of a promising collaboration aimed at enhancing the protection and support for victims of trafficking in Tanzania.
This publication was made possible through support provided by the United States Department of State, under the terms of Award No. S-SJTIP-24-CA-0014. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of State.