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United Nations, OECD launch joint jobs plan for refugees
Geneva, April 24 (IANS/AKI) The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR and the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Tuesday unveiled a path-breaking action plan to boost employment opportunities for refugees, the organisations said.
The innovative plan not only identifies the challenges, opportunities and best practices in the integration of refugees in labour markets, but also forges a concrete blueprint for the successful employment of refugees, UNHCR said.
“Harnessing the full potential of refugees in receiving economies and societies requires a whole of government approach in close partnership with civil society,” said Stefano Scarpetta, OECD’s director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs.
“Employers can and should play a central role in this process, but need to be supported by sound policy and actions from other stakeholders, including at the local level.
“Together we can make the most of refugee skills, talent and potential,” Scarpetta said.
UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Volker Turk said the plan offers a “win-win situation to refugees, employers and host communities,” by ensuring that refugees’ economic potential is fully harnessed to aid their social integration.
“The joint plan itself is the result of a large consultative process, which included employers, trade unions, civil society organizations, governments and refugees,” Turk noted.
Under the plan, after initial assessment of their skills and possible skills gaps, the refugees will be matched with employers and equal opportunities and a welcoming environment will be ensured in their new workplaces, UNHCR said.
For their part, employers will receive support on the administrative framework around refugee worker rights and will receive legal guarantees on the length of stay of refugee workers, according to the plan.
“This Action Plan fully supports a new approach, whereby refugees are be included in the communities from the very start, gain access to jobs and become self-reliant, contributing to local economies and to the development of host communities,” said Turk.
–IANS/AKI
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.