Maputo, 15 August - To help tackling issues related to displacement, Marracuene District in Maputo Province hosted a crucial workshop, co-organized by the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) from August 12 to 14.  The workshop entitled “Building Resilience in Preparedness, Response, and Reconstruction Actions within the Context of the Policy and Strategy for Internal Displacement Management” brought together over 40 government officials from national and provincial levels, along with key humanitarian and development partners. The event provided an update on the Policy and Strategy for Internal Displacement Management (PEGDI) Action Plan, launched the PEGDI Guideline, and included technical sessions on shelter and camp management for both government officials and partners.

The PEGDI is essential for guiding the country’s response to internal displacement. Participants were also introduced to the PEGDI Guideline, a comprehensive manual developed with support from IOM in coordination with UNHCR, NRC and INGD. This guideline is designed to help practitioners easily implement the PEGDI framework in the field making it accessible and providing concrete, step-by-step solutions to ensure the framework is clearly understood and can be effectively applied.

"The fact that Mozambique is one of the countries most vulnerable to disaster risk has led the government to take a series of measures that include strengthening the disaster risk management system in all its different phases (prevention, preparation, response and reconstruction). In this way, the legal framework for Disaster Risk Reduction issues has also been strengthened, in particular the reinforcement of leadership with the creation of the institution responsible for its coordination.” said Gabriel Belém Monteiro, Vice-President of INGD

Mozambique faces a complex web of challenges that heighten its susceptibility to natural hazards. Geographically, the country's long coastline, 2,700 km, and low-lying terrain make it highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as cyclones, floods, and droughts. However, the country's struggles are further compounded by socioeconomic factors.

Widespread poverty, limited infrastructure, and unequal access to resources leave many Mozambicans, especially in rural areas, ill-equipped to withstand and recover from natural shocks. This vulnerability has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in northern Mozambique. Currently, there are over 800,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) due to the conflict and 420,200 returnees in Cabo Delgado province.

The displacement of these communities, many of whom rely on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods, has disrupted local economies and strained the capacity of host communities to provide essential services. This, in turn, has left the affected populations even more exposed to the impacts of natural hazards.

Despite progress in reducing poverty, inequalities persist, with nearly half of the population living below the poverty line. The rapidly growing population and urbanization exacerbate the impact of climate change, as two-thirds of the population in coastal areas are at risk from rapid-onset disasters.

"To effectively address Mozambique's vulnerabilities, a comprehensive approach is needed. This means integrating disaster risk management into broader development planning," explains Sascha Nlabu, IOM's Deputy Chief of Mission in Mozambique. "By addressing the adverse effects of natural and human-made hazards, we can enhance the resilience of communities across the country and mitigate the risks of disaster-induced displacement," he continues.

The workshop emphasized capacity building for government officials in shelter and site management. Attendees engaged in hands-on field work to improve their skills in managing displacement effectively. Another important focus was the integration of Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) into disaster management practices. PSEA measures continue to be integrated into shelter provision and displacement response strategies to safeguard the well-being and dignity of all individuals. Effective camp management supports PSEA by creating a safe environment, implementing protection measures, and ensuring accountability, thereby reducing the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse in humanitarian settings.

The event highlighted Mozambique’s critical need to strengthen its disaster response mechanisms and the role of international partners in this effort. IOM’s contributions in internal displacement management, durable solutions, shelter, camp coordination and management (CCCM), and PSEA, including the new Code of Conduct for humanitarian actors, was showcased. The workshop underscored the importance of equipping government officials with the knowledge and skills needed to address disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and long-term solutions effectively.

As Mozambique continues to face the impacts of the conflict and frequent and severe natural hazards, this workshop represents a crucial step in building resilience and ensuring that both the government and its partners are well-prepared to manage future crises effectively.

For more information please contact:      

Maputo:

Priscila Scalco, pscalco@iom.int

 Amanda Nero, anero@iom.int

Pretoria:  Abibo Ngandu, angandu@iom.int