Nicaragua: 212 people trained in psychosocial assistance for migrants and preventing the risks of irregular migration

 
5 September, 2018

Managua- During July and August, the International Organization for Migration of the United Nations (IOM) held a training seminar on the risks associated with irregular migration as well as on psychosocial skills for assisting migrants.

The trainings were directed toward staff of civil society organizations which assist migrants in the municipalities of Chinandega, Estelí, Granada, San Carlos, Managua, and Rivas, and served a total of 212 participants.

As the coordinator of the Mesoamerica Program for Nicaragua, Heydi González, explained, the proposal for the training plan came out of the need of members of civil society organizations which work with migrants and their families for developing their capacity to  manage migration and the risks associated with irregular migration.

She also pointed out that according to the findings of the research on irregular migration and human trafficking carried out in Chinandega in February and March of this year, 45 cases of trafficking victims were reported, and therefore, “it is of highest importance to work to prevent the risks associated with irregular migration, such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling, in order to contribute to reducing vulnerabilities.”

 

Psychosocial assistance for migrants

To complement the workshops on the risks of irregular migration, IOM also facilitated a training on psychosocial skills for assisting migrants and self-care, aimed toward staff of civil society organizations which work to provide assistance and information services.

The coordinator of the Program explained that these workshops-held both in Chinandega and Rivas-used the Manual for Psychosocial Assistance for Migrants, created within the framework of the Mesoamerica Program, as a methodological tool.

“Through this manual, the participants can deepen their theoretical and practical understanding of psychosocial assistance for migrants, put psychological first aid into action, and question the myths and beliefs that influence how migrants are assisted, helping to protect their quality of life and to provide more appropriate assistance,” expressed González.