United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Dec 2016
InterWorks facilitated a Refugee Situation Preparedness and Contingency Planning Workshop in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from 13-16 December 2016. The workshop was designed to support participating Southern Caribbean countries in preparing a concrete response to the risk of a large scale influx of Venezuelans as a result of the humanitarian crisis in the country
The workshop was attended by some 40 participants, including Government officials and representatives of the Red Cross from Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and representatives from CARICOM IMPACS (Implementing Agency for Crime and Security), the International Federation of the Red Cross and UNHCR’s implementing partner, Living Water Community. They participated in an emergency simulation exercise and were introduced to a variety of tools and standards. Participants drafted elements of contingency plans based on international refugee protection and human rights standards.
A great balance between protection and operational aspects which led to protection-based approaches in the response plan. Excellent coordination among resource persons and adjustment to the specific needs/realities of the region.
– Workshop participant
