Rabat - On 4 October 2017, under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT), IOM signed a grant agreement with the Foundation Orient Occident (FOO) pledging closer cooperation to tackle human trafficking, and to provide protection and direct assistance services to victims of trafficking in Morocco. The grant provision aims to assist authorities and civil society organizations to develop assistance and support programmes for victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants.

Morocco is not only a country of origin and destination, but also a country of transit, especially for vulnerable men, women, and children subject to human trafficking and associated forms of exploitation and abuse. Given this, the country continues to be a key place for anti-trafficking and counter-smuggling activities for migrants from and transiting through Morocco.

In light of this dynamic context, the grant continues to be a vital mechanism for assistance to victims of trafficking and those at risk. Through this one-year grant, FOO  will be able to implement, in close coordination with IOM, various activities, including providing direct assistance, training and raising awareness. Direct assistance includes, for instance, safe accommodation, medical and psychosocial support, legal assistance, re/integration support such as family tracing, skills development and micro-credit schemes, and options for a voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to the country of origin or, in some cases, resettlement to a third country.

The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), €11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to assist to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including assisting victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.

For more information, please contact : Ms.  Zara Atbi, IOM Morocco, Email: fatbi@iom.int

https://www.iom.int/gloact
http://www.orient-occident.org/ 
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/index.html

Twitter:@glo_act