Repository of Practices
Primary GCM Objectives
Secondary GCM Objectives
3
5
8
GCM Guiding Principles*
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Dates
2021 - Present
Summary
Context for how the practice began:
The practice began as a direct response to the increasing number of migrants, especially from Venezuela, entering Brazil and facing exploitation and abuse. The DPU recognized the urgent need for face-to-face assistance to provide legal guidance and protection.
Central aims and objectives:
The primary objectives are to prevent and combat human trafficking and exploitation, ensure the protection of migrant children and adolescents, and facilitate the regularization of migrants' status in Brazil. This aligns with Brazilian Law No. 13.344/16 and the International Organization for Migration's theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.”
Main beneficiaries:
The main beneficiaries are vulnerable migrants, particularly unaccompanied, separated, and undocumented children and adolescents, as well as adult migrants facing various forms of exploitation.
Key activities:
- Direct Assistance: Providing daily clarifications on Brazilian legislation to migrants and identifying specific instances of exploitation.
- Institutional Requests and Referrals: Consolidating institutional requests and referring cases to appropriate authorities for investigation.
- Monitoring and Data Collection: The Pacaraima Mission Panel collects data on the migratory context, highlighting the number of unaccompanied and separated children.
- Operations and Rescues: Conducting operations to rescue migrants from situations of modern slavery and exploitation, such as the December 2023 rescue of 30 Venezuelans in Pacaraima.
- Collaboration and Coordination: Working with various government bodies and international organizations, including the Ministry of Social Development and the Federal Police, under initiatives like Operação Acolhida (Operation Shelter).
Key resources used:
- Staffing: Dedicated staff from the DPU, including the Specialized Office for Migration and Asylum in Boa Vista/RR.
- Pre-established Infrastructure: Utilization of existing government and NGO infrastructure for migrant assistance.
- Financial and In-kind Assistance: Support from federal programs and international organizations, leveraging both financial resources and in-kind contributions to support operations and provide services to migrants.
This initiative underscores the DPU's commitment to human rights and the protection of migrants, aligning with global standards for safe, orderly, and regular migration.
Organizations
Main Implementing Organization(s)
Government of Brazil
Partner/Donor Organizations
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - UNHCR
International Organization for Migration - IOM
United Nations Children's Fund - UNICEF
United Nations Population Fund - UNFPA
Benefit and Impact
Rights fulfilled and wellbeing enhanced: The initiative significantly improved the protection and fulfillment of migrants' rights by providing direct legal assistance and safeguarding against exploitation. Migrants gained access to information on Brazilian laws, ensuring their rights were respected. The wellbeing of migrants was enhanced through coordinated efforts to prevent and address abuse and human trafficking, particularly for vulnerable groups like unaccompanied and separated children.
Other key results:
- Rescue Operations: The successful rescue of 30 Venezuelans in December 2023 highlighted the effectiveness of DPU's intervention in freeing individuals from modern slavery.
- Increased Awareness: Migrants are more informed about their rights and available protections, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Impact measurement: Impacts were measured through data collected by the Pacaraima Mission Panel, tracking the number of migrants assisted and the specific instances of identified and addressed exploitation. The outcomes of rescue operations and referrals for investigations also served as key indicators.
Time needed for observing impacts: The impacts were observable within a few months of implementation, particularly in terms of increased legal assistance and successful interventions. Continuous monitoring and data collection provided ongoing insights into the program's effectiveness.
Positive secondary benefits: The practice positively influenced broader migration management and community integration processes. By reducing exploitation and abuse, it contributed to safer, more orderly migration, benefiting both migrants and host communities.
Continuation beyond initial end date: Given the ongoing migration crisis and demonstrated success, the practice is set to continue. The establishment of the Specialized Office for Migration and Asylum in Boa Vista/RR ensures sustained efforts and institutional support.
Other key results:
- Rescue Operations: The successful rescue of 30 Venezuelans in December 2023 highlighted the effectiveness of DPU's intervention in freeing individuals from modern slavery.
- Increased Awareness: Migrants are more informed about their rights and available protections, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation.
Impact measurement: Impacts were measured through data collected by the Pacaraima Mission Panel, tracking the number of migrants assisted and the specific instances of identified and addressed exploitation. The outcomes of rescue operations and referrals for investigations also served as key indicators.
Time needed for observing impacts: The impacts were observable within a few months of implementation, particularly in terms of increased legal assistance and successful interventions. Continuous monitoring and data collection provided ongoing insights into the program's effectiveness.
Positive secondary benefits: The practice positively influenced broader migration management and community integration processes. By reducing exploitation and abuse, it contributed to safer, more orderly migration, benefiting both migrants and host communities.
Continuation beyond initial end date: Given the ongoing migration crisis and demonstrated success, the practice is set to continue. The establishment of the Specialized Office for Migration and Asylum in Boa Vista/RR ensures sustained efforts and institutional support.
Key Lessons
Main Challenges:
- High Demand and Limited Resources: The high influx of migrants led to resource strain.
- Coordination Issues: Ensuring smooth cooperation among various agencies and organizations posed challenges.
Overcoming Challenges:
- Resource Allocation: Additional staffing and resources were allocated, particularly in high-demand areas like Boa Vista/RR.
- Improved Coordination: Regular inter-agency meetings and clear communication channels enhanced coordination efforts.
- What Could Have Been Done Differently: Earlier establishment of dedicated offices and resource allocation could have improved initial responses. Enhanced pre-implementation planning involving all stakeholders might have facilitated smoother operations from the start.
Follow-Up and Incorporation of Lessons: Continuous feedback loops and evaluations were established to incorporate lessons learned. Regular training sessions for staff and ongoing collaboration with international organizations ensured that best practices and new insights were integrated into current and future initiatives.
- High Demand and Limited Resources: The high influx of migrants led to resource strain.
- Coordination Issues: Ensuring smooth cooperation among various agencies and organizations posed challenges.
Overcoming Challenges:
- Resource Allocation: Additional staffing and resources were allocated, particularly in high-demand areas like Boa Vista/RR.
- Improved Coordination: Regular inter-agency meetings and clear communication channels enhanced coordination efforts.
- What Could Have Been Done Differently: Earlier establishment of dedicated offices and resource allocation could have improved initial responses. Enhanced pre-implementation planning involving all stakeholders might have facilitated smoother operations from the start.
Follow-Up and Incorporation of Lessons: Continuous feedback loops and evaluations were established to incorporate lessons learned. Regular training sessions for staff and ongoing collaboration with international organizations ensured that best practices and new insights were integrated into current and future initiatives.
Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)
Prerequisites and Required Factors for Success:
- Strong Legal Framework: Ensure alignment with national and international laws on human trafficking and migrant rights, such as Brazilian Law No. 13.344/16.
- Institutional Support: Secure commitment from key government bodies, including the Public Defenders' Office, Ministry of Social Development, and Federal Police.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Establish partnerships with international organizations (e.g., IOM) and NGOs for resources and expertise.
- Dedicated Staffing: Allocate specialized personnel to handle migration and asylum cases, with a focus on vulnerable groups like children and adolescents.
Tips for Design and Planning:
- Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the migrant population's needs and the local context to tailor the initiative appropriately.
- Clear Objectives: Define clear, measurable objectives, such as reducing instances of human trafficking and improving migrants' access to legal assistance.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate funding and resources are available, including financial support and in-kind contributions from partners.
- Data-Driven Approach: Implement tools for data collection and analysis to monitor progress and outcomes effectively.
Evaluating and Monitoring:
- Continuous Monitoring: Set up regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the initiative's impact and make necessary adjustments.
- Impact Metrics: Use specific metrics such as the number of migrants assisted, cases of exploitation identified and addressed, and successful integrations into the community.
- Feedback Loops: Establish feedback mechanisms to gather input from migrants and other stakeholders, ensuring the initiative remains responsive to their needs.
Context-Specific Considerations:
- Local Context: Adapt the initiative to the specific socio-economic and cultural context of the migrant population and host community.
- Flexibility: Maintain flexibility to respond to changing migration patterns and emerging challenges.
- Community Engagement: Involve local communities in the planning and implementation process to foster support and collaboration.
Advice for Implementation:
- Pre-implementation Planning: Conduct comprehensive planning, involving all stakeholders, to ensure a coordinated approach.
- Training and Capacity Building: Provide regular training for staff to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address migrants' needs effectively.
- Communication Strategy: Develop a robust communication strategy to raise awareness about the initiative and inform migrants of their rights and available services.
- Sustainability Planning: Plan for the long-term sustainability of the initiative, including securing ongoing funding and institutional support.
- Strong Legal Framework: Ensure alignment with national and international laws on human trafficking and migrant rights, such as Brazilian Law No. 13.344/16.
- Institutional Support: Secure commitment from key government bodies, including the Public Defenders' Office, Ministry of Social Development, and Federal Police.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Establish partnerships with international organizations (e.g., IOM) and NGOs for resources and expertise.
- Dedicated Staffing: Allocate specialized personnel to handle migration and asylum cases, with a focus on vulnerable groups like children and adolescents.
Tips for Design and Planning:
- Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the migrant population's needs and the local context to tailor the initiative appropriately.
- Clear Objectives: Define clear, measurable objectives, such as reducing instances of human trafficking and improving migrants' access to legal assistance.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure adequate funding and resources are available, including financial support and in-kind contributions from partners.
- Data-Driven Approach: Implement tools for data collection and analysis to monitor progress and outcomes effectively.
Evaluating and Monitoring:
- Continuous Monitoring: Set up regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the initiative's impact and make necessary adjustments.
- Impact Metrics: Use specific metrics such as the number of migrants assisted, cases of exploitation identified and addressed, and successful integrations into the community.
- Feedback Loops: Establish feedback mechanisms to gather input from migrants and other stakeholders, ensuring the initiative remains responsive to their needs.
Context-Specific Considerations:
- Local Context: Adapt the initiative to the specific socio-economic and cultural context of the migrant population and host community.
- Flexibility: Maintain flexibility to respond to changing migration patterns and emerging challenges.
- Community Engagement: Involve local communities in the planning and implementation process to foster support and collaboration.
Advice for Implementation:
- Pre-implementation Planning: Conduct comprehensive planning, involving all stakeholders, to ensure a coordinated approach.
- Training and Capacity Building: Provide regular training for staff to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address migrants' needs effectively.
- Communication Strategy: Develop a robust communication strategy to raise awareness about the initiative and inform migrants of their rights and available services.
- Sustainability Planning: Plan for the long-term sustainability of the initiative, including securing ongoing funding and institutional support.
Innovation
The Federal Public Defenders' Office (DPU) in Brazil, particularly through its Pacaraima Committee and specialized working groups, innovatively addresses abuse and human trafficking in international migration:
Pacaraima Committee: Established in January 2021, it monitors migration on Brazil's northern border, providing legal aid and identifying exploitation to protect migrants.
Integration of Legal and Social Services: Since 2018, the DPU offers direct assistance, clarifying laws, identifying exploitation cases, and facilitating referrals for protection.
Data-Driven Approach: The Pacaraima Mission Panel uses analytics to track migration trends, especially for unaccompanied children, guiding interventions and policies.
Collaborative Efforts: Works with agencies like the Ministry of Social Development and Federal Police in initiatives like Operação Acolhida for coordinated responses to migration challenges.
Adherence to International Standards: Aligns with IOM Global Compact, focusing on human rights, trafficking prevention, and child exploitation eradication.
Operational Impact: Rescues migrants from modern slavery, demonstrating proactive safety measures.
Continuous Improvement: Enhances responses in Boa Vista/RR, expanding services and partnerships for effective policy advocacy.
Pacaraima Committee: Established in January 2021, it monitors migration on Brazil's northern border, providing legal aid and identifying exploitation to protect migrants.
Integration of Legal and Social Services: Since 2018, the DPU offers direct assistance, clarifying laws, identifying exploitation cases, and facilitating referrals for protection.
Data-Driven Approach: The Pacaraima Mission Panel uses analytics to track migration trends, especially for unaccompanied children, guiding interventions and policies.
Collaborative Efforts: Works with agencies like the Ministry of Social Development and Federal Police in initiatives like Operação Acolhida for coordinated responses to migration challenges.
Adherence to International Standards: Aligns with IOM Global Compact, focusing on human rights, trafficking prevention, and child exploitation eradication.
Operational Impact: Rescues migrants from modern slavery, demonstrating proactive safety measures.
Continuous Improvement: Enhances responses in Boa Vista/RR, expanding services and partnerships for effective policy advocacy.
Additional Resources
Media
Additional Images
Date submitted:
26 June 2024
*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).