UN Agency Starts New Program to Support Voluntary Return and Reintegration
Lisbon - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Portugal started the implementation of the new Program to Support Voluntary Return and Reintegration - ARVoRe VIII.
The demand for this type of assistance in Portugal continues to be significant. Under the previous project, ARVoRe VII, which ended in December 2020, 1’482 people enrolled in the program and 501 returned to their country of origin (276 women and girls, and 225 men and boys).
The program will be able to support up to 600 people with their voluntary return and can accompany 70 return migrants in their reintegration process upon arrival in their country of origin.
In general, the ARVoRe VIII Program aims to help migrants in a vulnerable situation who want to voluntarily return to their country of origin and cannot afford to do so.
“Based on more than 20 years of experience in this area, IOM Portugal seeks in this project [ARVoRe VIII] to extend the support provided during the voluntary return and reintegration process, so that it happens in a dignified and safe manner, in full respect of the human rights” explains Vasco Malta, head of mission of IOM in Portugal.
Focus on partnerships: in addition to relying on IOM's worldwide network of offices, the ARVoRe VIII project is based on a set of key partnerships in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, IOM counts on the collaboration of a group of actors throughout the territory, which allows reaching a greater number of migrants through the dissemination of information and advice. In Brazil, partnerships with local NGOs in 9 Federal States will allow for closer monitoring of returned migrants.
Focus on vulnerability: emphasizing the protection of vulnerable migrants, the project foresees the identification of support services for vulnerable migrants, as well as information dedicated to the protection and assistance of vulnerable migrants to violence, exploitation and abuse .
Focus on psychosocial support: ARVoRe VIII will continue to provide psychosocial support in Portugal and Brazil for migrants who want this service.
