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Summary
In Peru and Ecuador, displaced Venezuelans face similar interconnected issues related to poverty, lack of access to work, social security, healthcare, and education, and are vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination. This practice addressed these problems by reinforcing a multi-stakeholder project through cross-country qualitative research conducted with universities and civil society organizations. The project's baseline study showed that since 2018, Ecuador and Peru have seen increased human trafficking and smuggling, often victimizing Venezuelans who are particularly vulnerable due to lack of access to decent work, basic services, and discrimination. The practice aimed to explore barriers to migrants' socio-economic inclusion - particularly access to education and decent work - as well as trafficking of migrants and forcibly displaced persons, focusing on local-level public policy implementation. The research goal was to identify threats, risk factors, and dynamics causing or facilitating rights violations, human trafficking, and smuggling. Stakeholder mapping was used to select key informants in both countries and determine research perspectives. Risk analysis helped identify when and how to best approach key informants and define data collection scope. Research teams in both countries collaborated on methodology, challenges, and opportunities. The findings, including migrants' and displaced persons' voices, were intended for advocacy with various authorities in Ecuador and Peru, especially those responsible for protection and local governance. The study focused particularly on at-risk individuals, trafficking victims, and the LGBTQI+ community. Humanitarian organizations noted that LGTBIQ+ people and migrant women are most affected by sexual exploitation and abuse by criminal networks in Ecuador. The research also contributed to training for authorities, service providers, and teachers, and facilitated connections between migrant organizations and authorities. Key resources included LiD funding and in-kind contributions from universities (infrastructure, knowledge, support staff, reviewers) and implementing partners' networks.
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Benefit and Impact
This good practice led to several key outcomes. An advocacy strategy was implemented which targeted authorities and the basis for training and capacity-building programmes. Research discussions engaged authorities in focus groups on challenges and opportunities for improvement, encouraging them to activate their own capacities for human rights protection. Findings were also presented in existing regional migration roundtables and published after peer review in both countries, contributing to knowledge production and raising awareness in academic circles nationally and internationally. The research also reinforced other activities within the binational multi-partner project, such as improving young people's access to education, facilitating university opportunities, skill certification, technical training, and incubating economic and cultural initiatives. Importantly, the presentation of findings to authorities facilitated direct connections between migrant organizations and officials, enabling direct advocacy. The parallel investigations in two countries using the same methodological approach highlighted the need for better cross-border coordination in preventing human trafficking, smuggling, and enhancing migrants' socio-economic integration. Initial impact was assessed through observations and feedback from authorities during capacity building events and from migrants, though more time is needed to observe the full impact. While this specific practice will not continue beyond the project's end date, the collaboration with NGOs has sparked increased interest among universities in migrant-focused research with a more practical and qualitative approach, with some project partners exploring possibilities to apply this approach in other localities.
Key Lessons
Peru faced additional challenges, including the Yaku cyclone, El Niño phenomenon, a dengue epidemic, a failed coup d'état, and major political protests. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully addressed these issues throughout the project duration.
In Ecuador, the deteriorating security situation and volatile environment posed threats to the research teams. To address this challenge, the study's focus was adjusted to analyse regulations and institutional capacities in responding to human trafficking. This adaptation ensured the safety and well-being of researchers while providing an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the structural and operational challenges in combating human trafficking, emphasizing the impact of local conditions on research methodologies and outcomes.
As a result of these experiences, ChildFund has implemented a protocol to evaluate security prior to each field activity. A key lesson learned is the importance of establishing comprehensive security risk assessment protocols, even in seemingly stable contexts, to increase preparedness. Additionally, the research process with authorities proved to be an excellent opportunity to assess and map their capacities and identify protection gaps that NGOs could help reinforce.
Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)
Simultaneously, NGOs' practical experience and local connections facilitate access to information and extend networks for universities. This partnership between academic institutions and NGOs not only underscores the scientific integrity of findings but also strengthens the capacity to inform policies and interventions aimed at upholding human rights standards effectively.
Furthermore, it is crucial to seek evidence that identifies key factors of various forms of exclusion and inequality in areas such as inclusive education, migrant workers' rights, and free mobility (as opposed to human trafficking and smuggling). Special attention should be paid to the needs of children and families affected by displacement, those with disabilities, indigenous people, and those belonging to sexual and gender-diverse communities
To enhance the impact of research findings, it's highly recommended that academic language be transformed into more accessible formats for use in advocacy and training. Engaging in dialogue with national and local authorities is essential to ensure that findings are considered in adapting or improving public policies. This approach can lead to long-term solutions addressing the challenges of migration and integration, including for children experiencing forced migration and its associated risks.
For multi-country projects, implementing a dual-meeting structure is recommended: general coordination meetings between teams from all countries, alongside national meetings within each country. This approach, successfully implemented in Ecuador and Peru, allows for addressing country-specific issues while maintaining cohesive project implementation across borders.
Innovation
The practice's impacts are sustainable due to the production and documentation of highly credible knowledge. Furthermore, it facilitated connections between authorities and migrant organizations, enabling future independent discussions on migrant-related issues and public policy improvements. This approach is scalable, as similar research collaborations could be conducted in other localities within Peru and Ecuador, as well as in other countries.
The practice demonstrated significant adaptability without compromising information quality. Nearly 50 per cent of the study and data collection was conducted through digital channels due to mobility restrictions resulting from insecurity in Ecuador, a situation similar to the constraints experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This adaptability highlights the practice's resilience and potential for application in range of challenging contexts.
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*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).