Voluntary return and assistance provided to 417 migrants

Costa Rica - Since its creation in 2010, the Mesoamerica Program has provided direct assistance and voluntary return support to 417 people. This assistance is vital, as migrants face high-risk conditions during the migratory process. They are vulnerable at-risk to becoming victims of assault, extortion, trafficking, and other exploitative trends.

To date, the Program has provided 259 migrants with healthcare, shelter, food, and other basic necessities. An additional 158 people have benefited from assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin or residence.

“Beneficiaries have typically been stranded migrants with insufficient funds to return home, as well as victims of domestic violence, and migrants with medical needs. The number of people assisted is relatively modest compared to other regions, but one of the factors that explains this is the parallel work of strengthening governmental and civil society capacities that we support from the Mesoamerica Program, in alliance with strategic partners,” said Mesoamerica Program Coordinator, Alexandra Bonnie.

In 2015, IOM facilitated more than 69,000 voluntary returns globally. This represents one the highest numbers of returns in the last fifteen years because of new migratory flows developing around the world. In Mesoamerica, IOM has assisted migrants from Central America (34%), the Caribbean (31%), South America (19%), and extra-regional zones (13%). These services enhance the human and orderly management of migration, while respecting the human rights of migrants in accordance with international law). These migrants share common insecurities, vulnerabilities, and fears. Some of their stories, summarized below, illuminate why IOM provides continued support.

Stories of Hope

Elena

Elena lived with her Romanian husband in Costa Rica illegally for four years. One day, authorities arrested and deported him. He was the family’s bread winner, and made his living selling desserts. Elena was left to care for their two-year-old son, with neither family support, nor resources to survive. Through the Mesoamerica Program, she was able to return to her home country voluntarily. 

Jose

Jose was among a group of Ecuadorian fishermen who were assaulted while at sea. They drifted in the Pacific for seven days, hungry, dehydrated, and fearful as they awaited help. They were finally rescued and brought to safety on Coconut Island off of Costa Rica. From there, they were later transferred to San Jose. The Mesoamerica Program helped Jose return to Ecuador. “Thanks to [IOM], I'm going to go back to my country to see my family again," he remarked.

More details about Mesoamerica Program Voluntary Return Phases V & VI .  Download

To get more information please contact Alexandra Bonnie, OIM de Costa Rica, Tel: + (506) 2212 a 5321, Email: abonnie@iom.int