Chiradzulu, Malawi - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) CCCM sector, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD) in Malawi, is announcing the implementation of a pilot relocation plan for Chiradzulu district. This initiative aims to address the urgent need for safe and orderly relocation of approximately 50,000 individuals affected by tropical cyclone Freddy, which struck in mid-March 2023.

Following the closure of numerous camps due to the cyclone's devastating impact, Malawi currently has 28 camps still operational. These camps house thousands of displaced individuals who require relocation to safer lands. In order to facilitate a seamless and dignified transition, the IOM CCCM sector has taken the lead in developing the process for the Pilot Relocation Plan.

During the recent CCCM Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on 23 June 2023, participants discussed the importance of supporting the government in establishing an organized and planned relocation process. Various stakeholders, including representatives from the WASH, protection, education, and shelter sectors, alongside district council staff and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as an observer, actively contributed to the deliberations.

The pilot program involved three days of extensive discussions, site assessments, workshops, and analysis. These efforts culminated in the compilation and dissemination of a comprehensive indications for the relocation plan for Chiradzulu district, which has been shared with relevant stakeholders and interested parties.

The objective of the CCCM TWG is to assist the government in developing a user-friendly draft work plan that supports districts in finding durable and safe solutions to end temporary displacement. By ensuring an organized, informed, and dignified process, the plan aims to facilitate the orderly phase-out of displacement sites. Moreover, it strengthens coordination and engagement between national and district-level authorities and humanitarian partners, while encouraging the active participation of various stakeholders, including affected populations, host communities, and associations.

Given the prevailing funding challenges in Malawi, IOM CCCM hopes to garner the attention of interested donors. Through this pilot initiative, the organization aims to demonstrate an effective coordination model, address humanitarian needs stemming from the tropical cyclone, and pave the way for sustainable recovery efforts.

IOM CCCM and its partners are committed to supporting the government of Malawi in this vital endeavor and are confident that the Pilot Relocation Plan will contribute significantly to the well-being and resilience of the affected communities.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tabata Fioretto, tfioretto@iom.int 

About IOM CCCM:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The IOM CCCM sector focuses on coordinating and facilitating camp management and camp coordination activities, ensuring the provision of essential services and assistance to displaced populations worldwide.