EU gives K12 million to marginalised groups

By AARON CHIYANZO THE EUROPEAN Union has awarded over K12 million grant to four projects in Zambia related to the protection of the rights of marginalised groups, particularly for the rights of persons with disabilities, ambassador of the European Union, Alessandro Mariani has announced.

Amb Mariani said that inequalities and marginalisation do exist in Zambia, despite the positive efforts of government and civil society to try and protect the victims.

He said in a statement that the European Union had decided to support civil society organisations that dedicate themselves to assisting those who suffer, and have suffered from marginalisation and discrimination.

Amb Mariani said that a call for proposals was launched under the European Instrument for Human Rights and Democracy which was designed to help civil society to become an effective force for advocacy or reforms and the defence of human rights.

He said that the EU had decided to award grants for a total of 989,890.00 Euro (K12 million) to four projects related to the protection of the rights of marginalised groups, and in particular for the rights of persons with disabilities.

Amb Mariani said that the key priority of the grant was the protection of the rights of people victim of discrimination.

"With continued commitment and fruitful partnerships at the Government and civil society level, and with greater tolerance vis-à-vis some marginalised groups, Zambia could set the example for many other countries on the continent." He said.

Meanwhile, the ambassador said that the beneficiaries of the grant included AIDS-Fondet, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), SOS Children's Villages Zambia and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD).