ACTION TO RELIEVE MIGRATORY PRESSURES IN POLAND

ACTION TO RELIEVE MIGRATORY PRESSURES IN POLAND

The project ‘Action to relieve migratory pressures in Poland’ contributes to alleviating the pressure on the reception system in Poland as a result of migratory flows from Belarus and Ukraine. The action focuses on strengthening a rights-based approach to the provision of direct assistance, increasing the migration management and coordination capacity of Polish authorities, and improving return procedures.

Beneficiaries

All of the project's activities come down to one goal - to build a space for migrants for their safe stay in Poland. For many who have arrived in Poland since February 2022, coming here has been a difficult and sudden experience, with many cities facing challenging and sudden population growth. IOM activities in direct support of migrants are:

- Enhancement of reception and accommodation facilities – providing necessary items to shelters facing rapid influx of migrants was crucial to maintain safe and healthy stay of beneficiaries hosted in facilities.

- Provision of NFI assistance to beneficiaries – based on current needs, IOM supported shelters by distributing welcome kits, hygiene kits, clothes and shoes, PPE and WASH items to migrants.

- Migrant Info infoline and special mailbox – migrants can get advice in Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and English, and individual consultations in other languages can be obtained by sending a message to a specially launched e-mail box.

Cultural mediators

Cultural mediators play a crucial role in building understanding between migrants, residents and the administration. IOM cultural mediators offer support through workshops and assistance with interpretation and cultural orientation. In their daily work, they not only have to demonstrate their knowledge of languages, but also perfectly navigate between the nuances of different cultures and religions. As part of DG HOME project they have conducted dozens of events, ranging from sports competitions to state ceremonies.

Events, celebrations and workshops

Nowruz celebration with migrants staying in guarded center. Connection with one’s culture is important part of psychological support and identity preservation.

Ramadan boxes — IOM branch in Rzeszów was responsible for delivery of food containers to guarded centers, which allowed Muslim migrants safely store their food during Ramadan fasting.

Cooking workshops were held in guarded centers. Migrants for different parts of the world came together to celebrate Iranian, Ethiopian and Chechen cuisines.

Cultural workshops — Numerous workshops about Polish culture, language and tradition were held, as well as introduction to Polish legal system and stay in reception center.

Provision of legal assistance

IOM mediators at Office for Foreigners in Warsaw offers wide range of legal, social and linguistic assistance to migrants.

Flyer — Distribution of informative materials in reception centers in various languages as an efficient way to inform migrants about their legal status, rights and obligations while in Poland.

Capacity building

Support to Border Guard, voivodes and other relevant authorities responsible for administering reception facilities was crucial aspect of the project. As part of strengthening the capacity of Polish government authorities, Border Guards, local service providers, community members, NGOs and other protection partners, IOM conducted a series of trainings on vast number of topics related to migration. To ensure efficient operation in the process of managing and registering migrants, the necessary equipment was purchased, including vehicles and IT equipment.

Flyers distribution — Provision of information through booklets, leaflets and direct assistance.

Vehicles — Provision of equipment necessary for the registration and processing of migrants.

MiTA application, a tool to facilitate communication with migrants, had been updated with additional languages.

Additionally, Municipal Police, Border Guard and Police representatives took part in 75 training sessions (by May 2024). IOM trainers introduced them to identifying vulnerable migrants, stress management and prevention of gender-based violence, among others.

Educational materials for download:

komunikacja-miedzykulturowa.pdf in Polish

mediacje-miedzykulturowe.pdf in Polish

stereotypy-uprzedzenia-i-mechanizmy-dyskryminacji.pdf in Polish

identyfikacja-osob-z-grup-wrazliwych.pdf in Polish

stress-management-techniques.pdf in English and techniki-zarzadzania-stresem.pdf in Polish

The project runs from December 2022 – November 2024 (24 months).

The project is financed by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Polish Border Guard Headquarters.

Budget: EUR 1,621,678.99

Obraz zawierający zrzut ekranu, Czcionka, Jaskrawoniebieski, Grafika</p>
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