In April 2018, the UN Secretary-General requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to coordinate and co-lead the operational response for the Venezuela situation. The two organizations set up in September 2018 a regional inter-agency coordination platform for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with the participation of UN agencies, national and international non-governmental institutions, international and regional financial institutions, the donor community and civil society organizations.
In Peru, the inter-agency coordination mechanism (or Grupo de Trabajo para Refugiados y Migrantes, GTRM, per the acronym in Spanish) was created in April 2018 and it currently comprises some 80 partners. UNHCR and IOM co-lead the GTRM and regularly inform the office of the resident coordinator and UNCT members of the ongoing activities. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GTRM also coordinates with the Government-led national humanitarian network.
Five sectorial working sub-groups are coordinated under the GTRM: protection, health and nutrition, basic needs, education, and integration. These sub-groups ensure the active participation, coordination of activities and information sharing of GTRM partners in their respective areas of expertise. In addition, three technical working sub-groups provide support across the platform: cash-based interventions (CBI), communications and information management. At local level, coordination mechanisms have been established in Arequipa, Tacna, and Tumbes under the leadership of local authorities (with the technical support of UNHCR and IOM), together with UN agencies and other organizations on the ground. In this regard, the GTRM has opened a space for community-based organizations, local authorities, and donors to actively and effectively participate in the response, avoiding duplications.
Key partnerships will strengthen UNHCR Peru’s operations in 2021 in support to inclusive national policies delivery. A strong working relationship with the Peruvian authorities will be maintained both at national and local levels, including key municipalities (such as Lima municipality) and regional governments. UNHCR will continue strengthening the capacity of the Special Commission for Refugees (CPR per the acronym in Spanish) and will seek to increase its support to the Ombudsperson Office towards the promotion and access to basic rights for refugees and migrants. Coordination with the Superintendence of Migration, in view of a possible regularization, will be also strengthened.
UNHCR will identify new partnerships to complement its response, particularly liaising with the private sector and by promoting innovative solutions that engage communities. There will be strong coordination with relevant authorities to support contingency planning and preparedness efforts.
UNHCR will seek to strengthen existing alliances with faith-based organizations, civil society actors and NGOs, while agreements with other partners could be established. Collaboration will be sustained with community organizations and networks, particularly those led by the population of concern to UNHCR working in areas aligned with UNHCR protection goals.
In the context of the ongoing pandemic and its socio-economic impact, UNHCR will emphasize the engagement of the private sector, the World Bank and other development actors in the search for sustainable responses. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNHCR will advocate for the inclusion of refugees and asylum-seekers in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). UNHCR will continue identifying and collaborate with community organizations and networks, especially those led by persons of concern that are aligned with UNHCR’s protection and solutions strategy.