IOM space for protection cases in Boa Vista exceeds 2,300 calls in five months of operation

22 September 2020

Boa Vista - Since the IOM's exclusive space for specialized guidance and listening to vulnerable people was opened in April at the Reception and Support Post 1 (PRA1) of Operation Welcomed for Venezuelans, in Boa Vista (RR), more 2,300 calls were made. The new facility, which replaces the location previously shared with other organizations, includes a private room, allowing IOM to qualify its protection actions, and provide a safer and more welcoming environment for beneficiaries. In addition to specialized guidance and listening, the IOM team also conducts health services, social assistance, labor rights, such as labor exploitation, gender violence and support for documentation, such as issuing CPF, migratory regularization and work card . The space is open to all people who are interested in the service, without the need for prior appointment and without costs. Information sessions on access to rights, prevention of human trafficking and labor exploitation are also held on site. With the start of the pandemic, information on the prevention of COVID-19 was included in the actions and has the support of Operation Welcome, a humanitarian response from the federal government regarding the flow of Venezuelans in Brazil. “We are at the bus station, a place with high turnover and a reference and overnight area for refugees and migrants, especially for those who have just migrated to Boa Vista. Many of those who arrive here are in a situation of vulnerability, thus making it essential to have a foothold in that location ”, reinforces IOM humanitarian emergency coordinator, Lia Poggio. "Refugees and migrants seek our services for a variety of reasons, but one that stands out is the exploitation complaints, such as refusal to pay, withholding documentation or restricting freedom," adds Poggio. In addition to this space at the bus station in Boa Vista, IOM provides protection services at the Interiorization and Screening Post (PTRIg), supporting the identification and referral of cases identified during the documentation and interiorization process. It also performs flying protection services in spontaneous occupations in the city. In 2019, this service was also offered to refugees and migrants present in several municipalities in Roraima, during the itinerant caravan of services held throughout the year. IOM protection actions are also carried out in the municipality of Pacaraima and at the Interiorization and Screening Post (PTRIg) in Manaus (AM). The IOM protection case space was implemented with the financial support of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Service Support OIM Protection Location: Reception and Service Point 1 (PRA1) Address: Rodoviária Internacional de Boa Vista (RR): Av. Das Guianas, 1523 - Treze de Setembro Hours: Monday to Thursday, from 8 am to 5 pm, and Friday from 8am to 12pm. Service without prior appointment and free of charge