La versión en español de este blog está disponible aquí.
This blog was authored by Yesibeth Centeno, Project Manager in Latin America.
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What additional steps should we take to implement projects that truly support the socioeconomic integration of migrant and refugee populations in Peru?
This question resonates strongly among institutions in the humanitarian sector and represents one of the main challenges in harnessing the knowledge and skills that migrants bring, which should be integral to the country’s comprehensive development strategy.
To create a space for inter-institutional dialogue on this crucial topic, the private setting of the Larco Museum restaurant was the meeting place for 17 organizations on September 26, 2024, during the event A Breakfast for Integration, organized by Corus organization Lutheran World Relief (LWR) with support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Encuentros SJM, and Equilibrium SDC.
The purpose of the gathering was to present the study Labor Market for Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees, conducted by Centuria Consultores for LWR and the IRC. This study served as a springboard for a deeper conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing projects aimed at promoting the socioeconomic integration of both migrant and local populations in Peru.
Galo Quizanga, Managing Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at Corus International, shared the mission of Corus, an international development organization that unites an array of nonprofit organizations and businesses, each with specialized expertise — from health to technology to economic development to emergency response. He highlighted how Corus organization LWR has maintained a continuous presence in various countries across the region for over 40 years, particularly highlighting its significant impact in Peru.
The labor market study presentation was led by José de los Reyes, who provided a holistic view of the labor reality in the country, outlining the specific characteristics, challenges, and gaps affecting both local and migrant populations, who face additional barriers and complexities in starting a new life in Peru.
The study also identifies key characteristics of the local population compared to the Venezuelan migrants and refugees who have arrived in recent years, highlighting wage and gender gaps, as well as the occupations most accessible to them. It emphasizes the main barriers hindering integration and offers recommendations for addressing and reducing these challenges.
To kick off the conversation and reflection, the event featured a panel of specialists, including Nancy Arellano, project director at Cedro; Alejandra Cáceres, Country Coordinator for Peru at Equilibrium SDC; Santiago Valdez, Country Manager for Peru at Tent; and Jeanelié Briceño, Executive Director of CAVEX, joining from Panama. They shared insights from their respective organizations, discussing the challenges and recommendations for promoting successful projects in multi-actor socioeconomic integration processes.
Nancy Arellano, CEDRO
The importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to achieve sustainable impacts in the integration of migrants and refugees cannot be overstated. The genuine involvement of all actors within the social fabric is a necessary step, as this is the only way we can build solid processes that go beyond mere prescriptions and lead to social cohesion and development.
Alejandra Cáceres, Equilibrium SDC
The need for an intersectional approach in inclusion and equity projects is essential to address the multiple dimensions of vulnerability faced by single mothers and LGBTIQ+ individuals. Only by integrating specific indicators and adapting interventions to the local context can we reduce barriers like the burden of unpaid domestic work and informal employment, which perpetuate discrimination and exploitation. Moreover, the private sector has the opportunity to contribute innovative support solutions, such as creating safe spaces for childcare, which will facilitate workforce inclusion. In our efforts to promote integration and equity for vulnerable populations, we must remember that it’s not enough to open doors; we need to ensure that everyone can cross them with dignity and without additional burdens.
Santiago Valdez, Tent
The experience of Tent working with the private sector has shown us that the labor inclusion of migrants and refugees not only promotes social cohesion but also addresses the critical hiring needs of companies. By reducing barriers to market entry and providing more support for regularization, the chances of successful integration for migrants in the country increase, allowing them to contribute to economic development.
Jeanelié Briceño, CAVEX
The private sector is not disconnected from social dynamics and development. Considering that 80% of the Peruvian economy is informal, public policies should aim to ensure safe and organized migration while also creating conditions for businesses to achieve the rational goal of generating wealth and employment opportunities. This is the only way to guarantee development and growth and to reduce informality, which is a challenging issue to tackle. We must all strive for a win-win situation among government dynamics, cooperation, the private sector, and civil society as a whole. At CAVEX, we are convinced that the best social program in the world is employment; only through job creation can we escape vulnerable migration, and governments must seek channels to ensure minimal conditions to continue attracting foreign direct investment.