The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Economic Promotion Agency of the Metropolitan District of Quito (ConQuito) signed an alliance on February 18 to work on the economic inclusion of refugees and their host communities in the town.
Through a letter of understanding, both agencies will develop awareness initiatives aimed at private companies on the situation of people in human mobilitystrengthening of enterprises, training and inter-institutional technical advice, generation of livelihoods, innovation and good practices of economic inclusion with a focus on mobility, cohesion and human rights.
The signing of this letter, which has a duration of two years, will allow the development of programs that enhance the skills of thousands of people in a situation of mobilitygiving them an opportunity to rebuild their lives and allowing them to contribute significantly to the development of the city.
“This alliance will provide opportunities for integration to people who have come to Ecuador in search of international protection. Humanitarian aid is important, but not enough on its own; it is necessary to achieve full and dignified economic inclusion of people in mobility human rights,” said Magda Medina, UNHCR deputy representative in Ecuador.
“Contributing to the country that has welcomed them is a desire of the people who have found in Quito a safe place where they can rebuild their lives,” he added.
Ecuador has historically recognized 72,033 people as refugees, the highest number in Latin America. In addition, this country is home to more than 500,000 refugees and migrants from Venezuela. For people in human mobility and their host communities, working on economic inclusion models with mobility and human rights approaches is of vital importance.
Enrique Crespo, director of ConQuito, stated that “thanks to this agreement we will have a specific line of the Fonquito seed capital fund for projects aimed at segments of people with human mobility”, and added that “these projects will allow the refugee population to resume control over one’s future.
Acnur and ConQuito have a history of joint work that dates back to 2018. During this time, Acnur and its partners have collaborated with ConQuito to promote ventures that bet on innovation and generate support and marketing networks with local entrepreneurs. Taking advantage of the technical knowledge of both organizations, the participants in this project have seen how their enterprises received technical advice and material support to get ahead. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
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