Fostering Inter-cultural Community Work and Integration Regional Conference on Migration Freddy Mauricio Montero Sub-director General of Migration and Immigration San José Costa Rica, February 22, 2012

Integration within the Framework of Act No Article 3: “This Act fosters integration based on the principles of human life and the cultural diversity of persons, solidarity, and human rights”. Article 5: “This Act promotes the integration of migrants into development in the country, and the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration shall design strategies and public policy oriented toward strengthening the sustainability of the Social State of Law (…), shall regulate integration with full respect for their culture and promoting the social, economic, and cultural development of the country. Article 7: Migration policy shall be oriented toward integrating foreign nationals into the economic, scientific, social, labour, educational, cultural, and sports processes. In addition, it shall be oriented toward recognizing the existing multi-cultural wealth in the country and the development of the potential of each person. HUMAN RIGHTS CULTURAL DIVERSITY MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT EXPANDING INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE LIBERTIES

Integration and Migration Integration: A dynamic social process of mutual adjustments and adaptation between immigrants and Costa Rican nationals, oriented toward seeking the common good. Integration policy is understood as decisions and actions of a public nature established and executed with the aim of orienting the social integration process of migrants and nationals toward strengthening the Social State of Law and the development of the nation at a national level. Integration is promoted and executed at a local level. Integration is based on national policy.

Integration and Migration National Report on Migration and Integration A general assessment of the level of access of migrant populations to public services such as health care, education, social services, etc. An assessment of the level of participation of migrant populations in Community Development Associations.

Integration Services Bidirectional Shared Responsibility Interculturality

ACTIONS BASED ON THE REPORT A programme to support migrants and Costa Ricans by improving access to information about services provided by public institutions. Designed to facilitate full integration into the Costa Rican society and strengthen the Social State of Law. MIGRATION HEALTH EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT

IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES

LABOUR

EDUCATION *“AVANCEMOS” SCHOLARSHIPS

HEALTH *INSURANCE

Integration Route Strategy Local public servants Public schools Municipal officers Community leaders Religious leaders Heads of civil society organizations Migrants and nationals FAIRS

“Entre Vecinos” (Among Neighbours) Programme Promotes participation of migrants on Boards of Directors of Development Associations. Based on recognizing the local cultural diversity as a focus for integration. Art and recreation as a driving force of local awareness- raising.

“Entre Vecinos” Strategy Inter-cultural Community Development Management Directorate of Migration and Immigration A local training and coordination platform to promote inter-cultural participation Local Governments DINADECO Development Associations Education Boards, Health Boards, etc. CEM-CINAIS ASADAS Organized local groups in general

Municipal Manual on Immigration Services and Social Integration Information about immigration procedures. Access to public services for migrant populations: » Health » Education » Housing » Social Services Information about national resources to provide assistance to victims of trafficking or refugee applicants.

Freddy Mauricio Montero M. Sub-director General General Directorate of Migration and Immigration THANK YOU